True contentment comes when you find yourself lacking what you've always taken for granted. Then you find that your joy never came for having those luxuries anyway.
I've heard it said that home is not the location, it is the people you are with. That makes so much sense now. When you lose all the physical conveniences you've grown accustomed to, all you have is each other and Jesus to depend on. True joy comes from Jesus alone.
A much needed reminder hit me upon arriving in Moldova. One that I am still trying to process.
"You can have this whole world, just give me Jesus."
My team is not surrounded by modern luxury. We are not completely roughing it, but this being less than two months since we've been in the US, it'll take some adjusting. Let me just express this in list form.
-we do not have comfy beds.
-we do not have a flushing toilet.
-we do not have running water.
-we do not have a washing machine.
-we do not have wifi.
-the nearest supermarket is over 15 minutes away by bus.
What we do have…..
-a contact who cares dearly about us and our spiritual growth.
-a translator who is excited to work with us and shares our love for Jesus.
-absolutely stunning scenery surrounding our home.
-adorable children that we get to play with and teach daily.
-Jesus walking by our side every moment of everyday.
I can tell you with all honesty that I am not fully content yet. Don't get me wrong, I love this place and am overjoyed to spend the next month here. There are just over 200 people in this village and I am praying that my team and I will be able to reach out in some way to every single one of them. Pray for God's work to be done in Rassvet, Moldova. Pray for me to learn the true meaning of contentment.
"Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me." -Philippians 4:11-13
