Africa… it’s hard
Going into this race I thought I would be fine living outside my comfort zone. I kind of prided myself on thinking that I didn’t really rely on my comforts like most. That this race wasn’t going to be difficult for me in a geographical aspect. That most of my problems would be spiritual. Oh …how wrong I was…
I was so wrong that during my discomfort I wanted to quit. I wanted to be done with this race. I wanted what I had back home.
I was done.
Checked out.
Buy me a ticket home.
So during my morning devotion I read Proverbs 3: 5-8 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn always from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.”
This verse reminded me that I cannot do this race on my own. I need to keep my eyes on Him and lean on Him even when I don’t understand. Doing so He will be able to keep my path straight and bring fire back into my soul. This verse helped me look at what God has provided me instead of what God has asked me to leave behind.
My comfort is something that I really enjoy, but what I learned from losing those comforts is far greater.
I lost the comfort of air conditioning in 95-degree weather with humidity, but I learned to appreciate fans
I lost the comfort of running water, but I learned to appreciate having a well close by to fetch some
I lost the comfort of speaking English, but I learned to appreciate my half semester of French
I lost the comfort of feeling completely clean, but I learned that my identity isn’t found in my appearance
I lost the comfort of my family’s love, but I’ve gained a love from the family that has welcomed me into their home
I lost the comfort of my friends, but I’ve gained new ones that push me closer to the cross
I lost the comfort of being independent, but I’ve gained a new perceptive on what it means to live in community
I lost everything I know, but I’m gaining something greater in return.
This path that God has me on isn’t easy, but I know it will worth it in the end.
