What an incredible month to end on. It’s been full of its ups and downs, but I couldn’t have asked for a better way to finish the Race. We’ve had several different ministry opportunities like spending time with single moms and their kids who, in this culture, are basically outcasted for having a child out of wedlock, no matter the circumstance including rape. We have gotten to paint a new school, had house visits, women’s seminars, and worked with street boys, which to my delight, was much like Ethiopia’s street kids ministry.
We’ve been blessed to have beds to sleep on, a kitchen to cook in, warm showers, flushing toilets, and incredible hosts and friends. It’s been nice for transitioning sake. Unfortunately, my brain never turns off, so sleep has been hard to come by for me. However, God has been using those late nights turned early mornings into times for me to talk with Him about a great many things.
See, I’ve been struggling with feeling like God was far away since last month. I’m growing tired not just physically, but spiritually, which I know makes mew more susceptible to the enemy’s lies. However, instead of letting him win this time, I’ve done what I can to fight back. I’ve kept opening the Bible even when my brain is too loud to really focus on reading, and I’ve kept praying, even when I feel like they’re just hitting the ceiling. I’m learning to persevere, because I know intimacy with God is worth it, and He never leaves nor forsakes me.
I’m grateful for friends who challenge me to keep fighting and who lift me up. Recently, I was explaining my frustrations and struggles to a friend, and they felt led to send me Psalm 27 later that day. I cracked open my Bible and read it. It’s one of my favorites. It was just what my soul needed to keep going. God’s Word is amazing like that. So right now, Psalm 27:14 is my mantra. And I encourage you to read this Psalm, especially if you’re having a difficult time. God does not fail us, and He is always near. We just have to wait on Him.
“Wait on the LORD;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the LORD!”
Psalm 27:14
Please continue to pray for me (and the rest of C squad!) as we have one week left and I begin to transition home. It will be wonderful and difficult at the same time. I’m looking forward to and dreading it all at the same time. I cannot believe how quickly these 11 months have gone by. I look forward to whatever God has planned for me, as I continue to learn that His plans are best.
Please pray that I may be able to return to Ethiopia in February (2017). I will need just as much prayer and support for this as I did for the Race. It’s out of my comfort zone, but I truly feel called there.
Keep your eyes peeled, as I will probably have at least one (possibly two) more Race blogs coming!!
