Back in 1909, President Teddy Roosevelt traveled by the steam ship “Hamburg” to Africa, so that he could literally shoot up animals; magnificent creatures which would be donated to the Smithsonian Museum for display. Teddy’s safari lasted a couple of weeks, and, needless to say, he killed a large number of wonderful animals which deserved to remain alive.
Eventually, the day came for the president to return to America, and, as you might imagine, several hundred other passengers boarded the ship with him. Of course, President Roosevelt was escorted to, and made himself comfortable in his first class suite.
It just so happened that an American missionary couple, who had spent 50 years in Africa, and were finally retiring, also boarded the ship. No one showed them to their room. Using a map, they managed to find it in the 3rd Class Steerage section.
Of course, the trip took several days, and whereas the president had enjoyed the safari, and was still “coming down” from it, the missionary couple experienced some significant sadness, having left their mission field and church members behind forever; (or, at least, what amounted to “forever” for them).
Finally, the ship pulled into New York Harbor. And although the president had only been gone two weeks, there were thousands of people lining the docks; screaming, clapping their hands and stomping their feet.
Of course, “Henry” and “Martha” weren’t oblivious to everything that was going on around them, and as they stood on the lower deck, looking out towards the vast throng, Henry exclaimed,
“Martha, President Roosevelt has been on an animal-killing safari in Kenya for two weeks, and he comes home, and there are thousands of people on the docks to welcome him.”
(and)
“But we return home, and there is not a single soul waiting for us.”
And with a knowing twinkle in her eye, Martha looked intently at her husband, and replied,
“Yes, but Henry… We’re not Home yet!”
By William McDonald, PhD. Copyright pending
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