I am sitting myself down to reflect on what the Lord has done in and through me the past 5 months. As I looked back at, I realized there was an overwhelming theme to what the Lord taught me each month.
• Honduras: Need for VULNERABILITY — We did a mix of manual labor, home visits, discipling the boys on property and visiting the local dump to poor out love on those who many deem untouchables. Living and doing ministry with my whole squad cannonballed me into community living — teaching me what it looks like to prefer others and die to self every single day.
Team OIL and Team Kina unite.
• Guatemala: LOVE — The month was filled with laughter and child-like joy as we spent each day with the beautiful children at Los Gozosos, an orphanage and school for children with special needs. The word beautiful does not do justice when describing these little ones. Because of those children I learned how to love without receiving anything in return.
Candi and I playing her favorite game — hand claps.
• Nicaragua: HUMILITY — The community, church and families that I became a part of this month will forever stay with me. From digging up gardens to visiting men, women and children in the hospital, the Lord used every little moment to humble me, preparing me for a new season.
Things got real on the fútbol field in Nicaragua.
• Romania: CONFIDENCE — This month I stepped into the unknown — leadership. I realized stepping up into being a team leader that if I wanted to survive, I needed to bring every decision and situation to the Lord for His direct leadership. I spent the month digging up the backyard of the church, building relationships with the young girls in Sunday night youth group, and learning what it looked like to support my team members, all while stepping into my confidence as a leader.
Never have I ever had to be more humble than when I let someone lead me around on a horse.
• Moldova: GRACE — Being alone with my team in a small town in a remote and foreign land, we learned the importance of communication and grace. This month I also cried, like shoulder-rocking, breath-taking sobs, as I grieved the loss of a very important woman in my life…but I also celebrated her entrance into the full glory of Jesus in heaven. I learned joy and grief can come at the same time and that is okay.
Trying to protect Thomas the turkey from Miranda on Thanksgiving — unsuccessfully.
In these past five month, I've had gut-wrenching laughter and shoulder-rocking tears; I've learned to love in new ways and give an abundance of grace beyond my own ability; I've felt the presence of God's Holy Spirit as well as experienced the Holy Spirit giggles; I've been exhausted to the point of giving up only to receive the Lord's refreshing strength… there is so much more I've seen, experienced and felt in these past five months that would not have been possible without my family, friends and strangers' faithful prayers and financial support.
To finish this race, I still need around $2,500 by January 1. Please pray about giving even just $20 so I can continue on this journey the Lord has brought me on. This is another way to receive a last minute 2012 tax deduction! 🙂
If you can't give financially now, please continue praying for me, my team Ohana Lokahi and my squad.
You can either give online through the support me link below my photo or mail in a check to Adventures in Missions.
Adventures In Missions
P.O. Box 534470
Atlanta, GA 30353-4470
In the Subject line put: The World Race Meagan Kelley
Thank you and MERRY CHRISTMAS!
