Well, that’s what this blog was supposed to be about.
Last week, our squad leaders told us we would be working in an orphanage in Pretoria, South Africa.
When I heard this, my heart overflowed with joy. I could not wait to be around sweet, little faces for an entire month. When I closed my eyes I could see it– tiny hands and feet, adorned with big smiles. I was so ready for a month of playing games and making silly faces. I could not wait to scoop these children up into my arms and share the love of Jesus with them. I just knew, knew at the end of each day we would link arms and laugh together, skipping off into the sunset.
Too much? Yeah, I know.
I had plenty of expectations about my first month of ministry on World Race. Problem for me is, they warned us time after time, after time: NOT to have expectations. And of course I wasn’t going to have any. But then I did…oops.
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” -Proverbs 16:9
Our ministry contacts Erika and Louie are incredible.
This couple has poured into this community for over 10 years with various ministries. Their overall purpose is to provide young men and women, throughout their lifespan, an education, life skills, purpose through God, and job opportunities. Their orphan ministry has also been very successful, but sadly, due to local corruption, they were forced out of their orphan housing property and are now in a season of readjustment.
That means, at this time, their greatest need is for us to serve in miscellaneous projects to help revamp and further their ministry. This will include cleaning, yard work, and lots of hard labor (more to come on that!).
We started weeding today and let’s just say this type of work isn’t at the root of my heart.
This month I may not play with children, but I do have an opportunity to love them from a distance. Our team can best serve this month by doing whatever task is needed to expand this ministry.
“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” -Proverbs 13:12
What about you? At this moment, in your life, do you have any expectations? In your relationships? At your job? For your future?
It is good to know that God can go far beyond any expectation in our hearts, but it is hard to let go.
So that’s my challenge to all of us this week. How can we let go and trust that God is faithful, has a purpose, and will eventually guide us to something greater than any plan we could ever imagine.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” -Proverbs 3:6-7
But trust me, if and when I get to play with little orphans– I will frolic wh pure joy. No shame.
