LEARNING FROM LELAND

"A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps." Proverbs 16:9

A year ago, I experienced the great privilege of traveling to Bosnia, not once, but twice. On my team, in both instances, was a professional photographer and, now, amazing friend, Leland Holder. Something about this man drew me to him. In retrospect, I think it must have been his humble nature and his thirst to grow in his relationship with our Savior. There exists a "no holds barred" quality in him, despite what life has thrown his way. His arms, mind and heart are wide open, ready for anything, completely surrendered, with childlike curiosity, knowing if he falls, who will catch him and where he will land. With no sense of urgency, it is as if his heart beats to a creative rhythm none of us can hear -- a special beat defined by God only perceivable by the two of them.

Ironically, however, this man I describe was unsure of the idea of a mission trip at first. He waffled back and forth, whether or not the call to Bosnia was a Godly one or one of his own. The team listened and encouraged him as his heart ebbed and flowed, yet none of us could have imagined this trip without him on it. This must have been an uncomfortable quandary for an unguarded, free spirit of a man. He knew only of his desire to grow spiritually, but like all of us, he questioned his avenue... missions? Am I worthy enough? Can I fly halfway across the world lifting people up through prayer who've suffered the unimaginable? How can I think about my growth in the face of their needs and loss? Leland's humility answered his own questions. None of us are worthy, but the fact that he asked those questions made him an excellent candidate for the team.

I cannot begin to describe Leland's experience there, it is not mine to share. However, I can testify to the fact that he arrived in Bosnia with his head on a swivel with camera and lens attached. Through his lens, he soaked up a country and people as a child would first experience rain. He drenched himself in their culture and was saturated in a love for and by our "family" there, so much so, he returned again in October '09 promising to marry his now wife, Lynne, atop the fortressed walls of Dubrovnik, Croatia. In just fifteen days, the two of them will return on the next team to work with the children of Novi Most ("New Bridge"), a center open to children of all ethnicities and run by Mick and Ali Holstead. These children, the future of Bosnia, are the ones whom have little memory of war. Although, they still live in segregated conditions, most do not like it. They do not necessarily share the generational hatred from scars passed down over the decades. Leland and his team will bring their love and lenses this trip, and maybe, God willing, through the aperture of hope, the youth of Capljina will see a city unworthy of God's love, but freely given it out of grace, nonetheless. Despite the scarring and the wounds, the hatred and the persecution, the past, the recklessness, the questions, the wandering, they will capture glimpses of God's desire to redeem what he has created.

I find it inspirational, a marvel, really, to see how God has used Leland over this last year. Leland had somewhat of a plan, however unsure about it. I don't believe he ever would have imagined, a year later, his journey would have found him in this place on his walk -- married to an amazing woman, (also with a heart for Bosnia) returning for his third trip, and readying himself to share his God given passion for photography with the youth of Capljina ... all with that same childlike curiosity, humble spirit and thirst for more of our Savior.

I am a big planner. But here are just a few lessons I've learned from Leland: Ask more questions, make less plans. God is in the details. You really don't need to have the answers. In fact, you don't have most of them anyway. When planning, think big picture, God is directing our steps.

Humbly yours,
Kathy

For donations to this or any other trip, please see the sidebar under "Want to Know More!"

To follow this team's blog, click on "With Love for Bosnia" under BLOG ROLL in the sidebar.

To view or order some of Leland Holder's photography, you may find it in the viewing gallery at the following website PhotoFactoryInc