I’ve been out of the country for 14 days now, serving with my team in Malaysia. Some days 14 seems like 4 months, whereas some days 14 feels like a couple days. Everyday I wish I could just pick up the phone to call dad to chat about the latest ESPN sports scandal, or catch up with the happenings at home with mom…or even send a simple text to Cara or Cass about an inside joke. These are the simple things about home that I have taken for granted until now.
The other day we were driving in our little red van to a house visit with the sun setting, and I smelled what I thought was a bonfire. Even though I know that it was just someone outside cooking their dinner, it took me back home…to cool fall weather, to hoodies, to boots, to hot chocolate and pumpkin spice lattes, to football games, to (fill in the blank fall activity). I’m really having a hard time with missing my favorite season back home. Mom keeps telling me of the cool, brisk mornings at 52 degrees, while I’m sweating as soon as I walk out of my bedroom. As much as I have complained about being so stinkin’ hot to my teammates, God is already preparing to appreciate the four seasons when I return to the states next year. I didn’t realize how blessed I have been to grow up in the Twin Lakes area until I met Malaysia’s September weather!
Last night I was SO BLESSED to be able to skype with my church home. Big shoutout to my mom and dad for putting that together..yay for technology! It was so great to see familiar faces and to be poured into for a few minutes by those people. I’m so glad I was able to share about my ministry this month with them. I can’t wait to do it again, Australia Edition!
This weekend our team took a roadtrip to three different towns with Pastor Yesu. I’ll be honest, Friday at 1pm we were not the most excited people for a weekend away. It was all about leaving our “comfort zone” again. God brought us so much closer together this weekend as a team, and for that I am thankful.
I preached for the first time Friday night! When Thomas asked for volunteers for Friday night, I avoided eye contact at all costs…and that’s how I landed the pleasure of preaching. Thanks Thomas!
On the way to our destination, Friday, God showed us definite favor and we ran into TWO KSQUAD TEAMS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BEST DAY EVER. We got to catch up with Alicia’s team for about 20 minutes, and it was a blessing, no doubt. It was sad to say our goodbyes, but we knew we’d see them again in a week in KL. THENNNNNNNNN we were driving down the road in Kuala Lipis and literally came upon TANNER’S TEAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The Lord knew we needed these divine appointments with these precious people! I’ll never forget our reunions this weekend. I. LOVE. KSQUAD.
We have 4 days left in Kuala Krai! It’s absolutely INSANE to think that month one of my world race is coming to a close! God is up to some big things in my life…He has shown me so much about myself during this first month. I have started to learn to process my emotions properly, which if you know me, is definitely needed. J I have learned that God is in desperate WANT of an INTIMATE relationship with me! He wants to be my lover, and wants to constantly pursue ME! I am HIS beloved.
I again want to thank you all for the love, prayers, encouragement, and life you have spoken into me and my teammates. I am so unworthy, but still HE loves me…Oh how He loves us..how He loves.
We are headed out Thursday night by night bus to Kuala Lumpur for a day! We are all so excited to meet up with other teams and to be poured into by each other before another month of ministry. Saturday morning we will take a bus to Singapore, arriving Saturday afternoon. We will have Saturday night and Sunday morning/afternoon to explore Singapore and get ready to fly to DARWIN AUSTRALIA Sunday night at 1020PM (920AM for y’all)! My team is with another team next month and we are so excited to see how God uses us together for His glory.
Miss you all!
Please continue to keep Team Braveheart, the other 7 KSquad teams, and EVERYONE else out on the field in your prayers! We feel them J. Thank you for blessing us.
Serving Him who served us all,
Xoxo
Caitlin
