I was supposed to leave Thailand to go to Malawi on Jan 1, 2017 at 1am. But in stead i am sitting in a airport hotel, in a comfy bed with real blankets, free food, a nice bathroom with HOT WATER and real towels(haven’t had a hot water shower, a real blanket or bed in 3 months) all because our flight was cancelled and i am quite grateful.
This is a period of transition for me. Coming out of 2016 and entering 2017. Iv been learning the importance of transition, and reflecting and preparing yourself mentally,physically and spiritually for the next season of life. Transitions can be anything. they can be the winter break between semesters, time off from your job, a summer home from school. They can look like anything. For me its these few days of change, and rest. Im entering this new season with a new team of friends to travel with, a new country, and as clique as it is to say it…a new me. These past 3 months have changed me completely. the person i was when i left is not who i am now, and who i am now wont be who i am when i get home. But iv learned to love change. To love who i am and who im becoming and to be okay with not always knowing. Each season the lord has something to teach us, to show us. He uses people, circumstances good or bad, and places to mold us into what men and woman of god look like.
He has taught me to hold loosely to our worldly possessions, relationships and friendships, and hold on tightly to him and his word. Nothing of this world is forever except for him. He has taught me how to speak truth and love to others even when what you have to say is hard. To give and receive feedback out of truth and humility rather than hostility and defensiveness. To love myself, and be grateful for the gifts that he has given me. To learn from others, and serve them first without expectation. To appreciate my family because im so lucky to have the family i do. To let loose. Find joy in everything, and not sweat the small stuff. But ultimately the thing i learned in this past season of my life is that He is real, and he is looking after me. I cant love the lord unless i love myself first. And that he is like no other friend, if you dont just sit with him, start with the basic surface level conversations you wont be able to get to know who he truly is or what he really has to offer. You dont always have to read the bible and get a great revelation from a verse, or experience this great mind blowing miracle. Sometimes you wont understand a thing you read in the verse, or you just wont feel him, but the thing is he is there and sometimes he just calls us to just sit in his presence. just be there with him on the couch, jam out to music, tell some jokes and just Be with him. Nothing fancy, nothing wild, just be his friend and relax.
Jan 3,2017 at 1am is when my flight is supposed to leave(always subject to change). I will be on a plane heading to Lilongwe,Malawi where i will be living for 3 months. I most likely wont have internet access and if i do it probably wont be the best connection, it will be very different that the culture iv been living in here in Asia, and ill be with a new team. Am i nervous? yeah a little bit. But i am very excited, to see what the lord has in store for me and my squad this season. Please keep me and all the girls in your prayers, and know that no news is good news seeing as i dont know how much ill be able to update you guys with little wifi. But i really appreciate everyone for taking the time to read my blogs, pray, and support me as much as you do. It means a great deal to me, and i am so grateful.
~Lots of love and prayers your way~
HAPPY NEW YEARS !!!
