I’d first like to say I’ve gone back and forth on whether or not to write this blog. I’d like to say this year is peaches and roses but if I’m being super honest it ain’t, it’s hard. It’s a good hard but nonetheless I’m done trying to avoid these emotions and speak them up, and maybe add a little stale humor to it 😉 I’m not giving Satan any foothold in my life!
To start this whole blog off I’d like to give ya’ll a recipe. Now this recipe works for some and others’ recipes may be completely different…. This just happens to be my personal recipe for what I’ve coined the #7monthslump.
1. You need to have been on the World Race or just the mission field for at least 7 months. It could happen after that, but I’d say this is about the minimum number
2. Have been living on a foreign continent for almost 5 months (preferably Asia)
3. Within one week have a few 100 degree days whilst having to cover up those ankles and shoulders
4. Been in a city with pretty bad air quality
5. Have a set routine that you gotta pray to have love for everyday
6. Contract a throat infection
7. And what I call the “cherry on top”; have a 102 fever for 2 days, occasionally breaking it with Tylenol
These are all just facts. But sometimes facts get the best of me and give me a negative attitude. Don’t get me wrong ya’ll this adventure has been beyond my wildest dreams, truly.
We all have a breaking point though.
Mine is when I had a fever for two days without the comforts of home and the love my momma, dad, and grandma show me when I’m sick. It made me miss home somethin fierce. It also gave me that bad attitude. Satan was definitely ready to pounce on me when I was sick.
Now this recipe is quite bitter and actually doesn’t taste good at all. So now let me introduce you to another recipe that is starting to cure my #7monthslump.
1. Ice Cream, obviously right?!
2. FaceTime, especially for when I just need to talk to mom and dad for like an hour
3. Most importantly Jesus. Typical Christian, Bible School answer but let me explain….
7 months in and I’ve experienced a lot more of God than I ever have in my life. A deep intimacy I never thought was even possible. Something I’m drawing from now. In a moment of drought I’m drawing that living water, from what God has stored in me the past months.
A scripture from John, that my team has been reading lately, has really been a good reminder of the great God I do follow even in these moments of extreme weakness. Here’s a journal entry I wrote the other day; hopefully to give ya’ll a better picture of my mind and emotions:
“I love you Jesus. I’ve never known such love. I’m so glad Papa you gave the world, me, your son. To hold hands with, to get to know on a human level. And to know him as he does you.
John 10:14-15
“I am the good Shepard; I know my sheep and my sheep know me – just as I know the Father and the Father knows me – and I lay down my life for the sheep.”
I am so lucky to hear your exact words too, Jesus. To have a book, full of life, that you have spoken directly into.”
Later in the same chapter (v. 27) Jesus says
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
How special 🙂 I do know Jesus’ voice. I’ve followed him into so many great unknowns. Into this journey that seems too long sometimes. He has called and I will listen; into whatever that includes.
One thing I do know is that I am promised rest and life.
Matthew 11:29
[Jesus says] “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Matthew 10:39
“Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.”
I’m praying hard against all of these negative emotions and God’s Angels are fighting hard for us here in India, I can feel that for sure! Next month is approaching quickly and I refuse to travel to Africa with any cynicism in my heart! I would so greatly appreciate your prayers in this area, and so would my team and my squad. I’d be lying if I said missions in foreign places isn’t hard but I truly believe our Papa is encouraging and fighting for us all in every moment.
