But Arian spent most of the time curled up in the back seat of the van with her blanket and pillow. We’d wake her up to marvel at a mountain or take nourishment. I was a little irritated that she wasn’t gung ho like the rest of us. My sister jokingly called her “the preemie,” since she was mostly eating and sleeping. We should have known what was going on; we’d simply forgotten what it’s like that first time when the Lord opens your eyes and breaks your heart. It had been decades since I’d been a college student on mission for the first time . . . feeling ripped in two as I waved good-bye to return home. It can be pretty overwhelming. Those last allnighters, the new friends on the brink of eternal decisions. Decisions they’d make because of—or in spite of—what you said. Friends you may never see again. I was insensitive to my daughter, and I now apologize before God and all creation! Learn from my mistake. You or others on your team may be in a mental fog or in emotional pain. You may wake up one morning wondering where 6
ChangedBody-SC.indd 6
8/4/08 10:30:2