In the same region the next day, I saw a man with a small horse. Strapped to it’s back were bundles of sticks he had gathered for firewood. In places of such extreme poverty, currency comes in many forms. Money, of course, is well known. But food is also useful as currency. Alcohol is currency. Goods, including firewood, is also valued as currency by those who use wood to cook. The walking stick I had used and returned were valuable items of currency to this impoverished family.

To my surprise, our group returned to the lofty building site the following day. Of course, we did; we went back to dedicate the house, to bless the family, and to distribute gifts and food. I didn’t want to climb the high mountain trail leading to the house, especially after a long, tiring day working elsewhere. I prayed. I prayed hard about going back up. By God’s grace and whisper, I set out for one last climb. Up the trail I went, blessed to take part in the dedication and blessings.

I only had to return down the steep trail.

With no stick, tired, and drained I began the descent. From behind, the mother of the family and one of her sons – the one to whom I had returned the stick, each approached and took me by the hand. With mom on my right and son on my left, these profoundly grateful and humble children of God became my new walking stick, balance, and assurance as I made my way down the mountain. They saw my need. They met my need, even though each was a fraction of my size.

Safely down on the road, the mother and son smiled, and wished me well in a language I did not understand. I was amazed and humbled by the kind gift they had given to me, far more valuable than the original stick I had used. My goodness, I was grateful. Their guiding hands, confident steps, and gentle presence swallowed me in God’s grace unlike I had ever experienced and will never forget.

All because, I returned the stick.