From the tropical jungles of Thailand to the even greener landscape of Zambia, I am excited to announce that we have arrived safely to our contact point in Africa!
In Thailand the whole squad had team changes during the last week of debrief, so I am now with an entirely new group of people and leadership. This change has made for an incredible opportunity to continue growing and learning from different people on the race. My new team name is “Goshen,” which is a city in the Old Testament, that God protected symbolizing His protection over my teammates and myself: Rae, Henry, Allie, Faith, Krista, and Michelle.
As for Africa, I want to briefly share with you what life looks like in Zambia. Zambia happens to have a large Christian population, which has been such a relief and treasure to be surrounded by people who already love Jesus. This is also a huge blessing because we can be more open about our faith once again. Every week day in the mornings, from 9am-12, we are currently working with a teaching center helping kids ages 4-5 learn basic English and other important skills. The school has Christian influence so it’s fun to be able to share Jesus with the kids openly. Then from 3pm-5:30 we play soccer with the entire community and share bible stories. There is a plethora of amazing children living around our compound to hold and love, and always a hug waiting outside our front gate. For Church we spend about 9 hours of the day worshiping, dancing, preaching, and sharing. Which has definitely been a crazy challenge and experience in itself (it’s hard to stay awake).
Also in a couple of weeks all of the men on our squad (10including myself) and our squad leader Clay will be heading to the Capital city of Lusaka for Manistry. This will last for about two weeks depending on how smooth our visa extension goes. Rumor has is that for Manistry we might be helping plant churches, and visiting families house to house. Which should be an epic adventure.
As far as my walk with the Lord goes, I have been learning so many things and trying to organize all of my feelings and thoughts has been quite overwhelming at times, but I think I have finally begun to feel true joy even in the chaos. Since the reality of returning home is drawing close, I have to pray everyday and take captive my thoughts in order to stay present here. I fight for my trust in God and pursue constant faith. Allowing Christ to reign over every part of my life. I know He is faithful, yet often I still worry and fret. I would like to ask for specific prayer over any or all of these questions, knowing that God will come through in His perfect timing.
On the World Race I have been privileged beyond words with experiencing three drastic cultures (Guatemala, Thailand, Zambia). I am trying to sift through all this new growth, taking each unique lesson and idea from each country, and beginning to form solid beliefs for myself. Also connecting my beliefs in accordance to the bible and what God has taught me. Although all this processing has caused me to experience a lot of turmoil in my heart, especially knowing I will return home very soon.
Here are just a few questions I am struggling with. Should I feel guilty for going home, for being surrounded by old comforts, and for returning to family and friends that I hold so dearly? To what extent should I push past and sacrifice my desire to live in my own country and being comfortable? How much should I be sacrificing to the Lord? What does dying to myself look like if I am back in the United Sates? Is God satisfied with me? Should I go back to college, or get a job?
I actually had many more questions, but the funny thing is, as I wrote them down I told myself, “You know the answer to that,” and then I erased them. I recognize that all of these question arise because I am maturing spiritually and mentally diving much deeper into the word, and processing/seeking much higher wisdom. However, setting these truths firmly in my heart has proven to be a incredibly difficult task. I am tired of doubting God’s word and promises, and letting my mind run wild with misunderstanding. I really want powerful and unshakable trust and faith, because I know that God is faithful.
So as of now I am repeating, “Be still my heart and know You are God alone. Stop thinking so much and just let go” (Bethel Be Still). I want to surrender all that is burdening my heart, knowing that God knows all my questions and understands all of my confusion.
Thanks for keeping up with my journey and being committed prayer warriors. It has been so rewarding and ever so challenging. It is mind blowing to think I will be home in a little more than two months! I Can’t wait to see all of you.
