Closing a Season

For those of you who haven’t heard, I changed my ticket on Wednesday, deciding to head home Saturday (a week early). I didn’t tell anyone but my parents ahead of time so that I could surprise Naomi, who had planned to return to the Philippines this Tuesday (meaning I would have completely missed her visit had I not returned early). The decision to leave was so last minute, I packed in a rush, and worked at Heritage on Friday wrapping up loose ends. For obvious reasons, I didn’t mention my plans in my post on Friday. After being home a couple days, I did want to take a minute to reflect on the past three months, and their meaning for me. I’m also posting my note to the Ambassador when I left and his reply.

It seems petty to try to say what God has done and accomplished in the past three months. I certainly don’t totally understand it. Sure, I can see how the way I see things has shifted. Watching the news tonight, announcing the release of a report that I helped write and edit on human rights and democracy…listening to the media’s criticism and realizing that I see all of it differently having been on the other side. Those are largely insignificant shifts in the big picture, far different from an eternal view of what I have gained and given while I’ve been in D.C. I don’t think I’ll try and figure it out too much more…some of it is just heart stuff between God and I that I could never articulate anyway. Just another step….

Before I left I tried to share some of my thanks with my co-workers in general, but I also wrote this note to the Ambassador…

(You can attribute the format to a State Dept joke…)

Unclassified

Information Memo to the Ambassador

From: Martha Hamilton

Subject: Time serving IRF Office

Background:

I wanted to take a minute to express to you how immeasurably I appreciate the blessing you have been during my season working with IRF. While it is hard for me to believe it has passed so quickly, I cannot tell you how crucial and impacting this opportunity has been for me.

Looking back to last year when I heard you speak and extend an invitation for interns, I hardly recall anything that was said. Prior to that time, I had never considered an internship in D.C. since I knew I planned to work in ministry outside the U.S. and that work in the USG was not my long-term calling. The only thing I recall about that meeting where you spoke is that it birthed a strong desire in me to work with IRF. In the year that followed, God ordered so many of my steps in ways far beyond my planning and made it explicitly clear it was part of His plan and preparation for me that I spend this season here in D.C.

Obviously, coming into IRF, I had very little knowledge of what to expect. Understanding the overall IRF vision and the IRFA was a far cry from understanding the day-to-day workings of the office. However, I felt instantly welcomed and shepherded into finding my “niche” in IRF’s work. The variety of work I’ve been able to participate in has greatly enriched my knowledge and experience, but actively participating and witnessing the incredible progress in spreading religious freedom that IRF has recently accomplished has been the greatest privilege of all.

More than to thank you generally for this opportunity to work with IRF and for the openness you personally offered me, I would like to thank you for the chance to carry out what I believe will be the most memorable task of this entire internship. As you were preparing to go to Vietnam, there were many preparation steps which took place and in which I participated, from drafting the Circular 175 to finding maps of Vietnam for the briefing book. However, one stood out among them all: the errand of retrieving your repaired shoes. I realize this may sound crazy, but let me at least attempt to explain. When you asked me to run the errand, I took it rather lightly at first as a breather to do a “mindless” task and get out of the office for a few minutes. On my return, I was contemplating the impending trip, its goals and purposes, and began praying for you and the success of the mission in bringing greater religious freedom to Vietnam. I knew that even the opportunity to go negotiate the agreement was miraculous and was praying that the path would be made straight before you. Perhaps somewhat out of context, two verses from the Bible came to mind as I prayed for you… How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, and I have sent you to set free the captives. Suddenly, the significance of carrying the “Ambassador’s” shoes impacted me. In a way, everything that each staff member did to prepare the way for the trip was laying straight the path, but how symbolic a task to be literally bearing the shoes to be worn in bringing good news that would ultimately free captives! I found myself walking down the street toward the State Department in tears. What an absolutely incredible honor to play even the smallest role in opening the door for the Gospel to be freely shared and for our imprisoned brothers and sisters to go free! I wish I could truly communicate to you the impact that day had upon me, but I do know you realize the importance of the authority which you have been given, not only the U.S. Government but also as an Ambassador of Christ, which we all are. Therefore, I want to say thank you for sending me to retrieve your shoes that day. To you, it may seem the smallest and most menial of tasks, but somehow it came to have great importance to me, and no matter how many papers made it to the Secretary of State’s hands having first gone through mine or having had my name on them as the drafter, of all the responsibilities which were handed to me, I will always count as the most important, carrying the Ambassador’s shoes.

Since Information Memo regulations require me to keep this short and I have already rambled, I will stop now. I just wanted to take a minute to attempt to communicate how witnessing your leadership has impacted my life, as I have watched you impact others. You are an incredible example of a man of God, placed in a strategic position, for such a time as this. Even as I leave, part of my heart stays, and you and the IRF office will always be in my prayers are you continue the fight for the most foundational and important of all freedoms.

Here’s the Ambassador’s reply: (he also refers to some research I did for him at the Library of Congress last week)

Martha,

Thank you so much for all the trouble you went to to track down the information on Ockenga's love life. That was really above and beyond the call of duty. I think it's going to add a wonderful romantic element to my message (and perhaps inspire some of my single listeners to fervent prayer in hotel lobbies!) Just as with the information on Judson you compiled, thank you for going the extra mile to research, condense, and type it up it for me in such concise and useful form. The extra detail below gives me some great choices. I especially like the quote on Calvinists in love. You've helped me immensely on this message (as well as numerous other things). It has saved me a lot of time that I would otherwise have to take away from the work on behalf of believers.

Let me also tell you how much I appreciated your note. It really encouraged me, and was a beautiful expression of your thoughts about your time here. I was really touched by your sharing about how the Lord used the trip to pick up my shoes. What a beautiful reflection on the Biblical analogy, and thank you for sharing so openly about your experience and how the Spirit used it. I think most of all, it says a lot about the heart with which you approached your work here. You brought a very mature spiritual outlook and eternal perspective to the challenges we face, and it ministered to me to read your thoughts. They reflect a real servant's heart, and I think that is, indeed (in view of the needs we serve and the privilege of being here), the right perspective. Your note is the best expression of that I have heard in my time here, and embodies the spirit I wish would imbue all that we do in this office. Let me also say, I am very grateful for your kind words about your experience working with me. It means a lot to hear that from you. As you know, the work feels pretty overwhelming a lot of the time. And, of course, I am grateful for your continued prayers.

Keep me posted as the Lord leads you forward. Once again, I admire your heart for Him and your readiness to serve him wherever He leads. You won everyone's respect - especially mine. By the way, I am curious about your web address. Are you a dancer, or is that a figurative reference?

Have a wonderful Easter.

John

Well, I guess that wraps up this blog…until some random urge hits me to start another, we’ll see… the “next step” is largely a question mark… working now on getting a research position at Regent to pay for finishing my Masters next year. Between now and August…we’ll see…