I remember last year this time as I was still in the process of figuring out if I was even GOING to go in July or just skip the race and try to figure something else out for this season in my life. Well, it’s a year later and I can honestly say that I am so glad to be using the squatty potties, listening to the kids (and fellow squad mates) constantly sing “Baby Baby Baby ooooh I say Baby baby baby oooh!” and eating goat cheese with, basically, every meal. In other words, I am so glad God, not only won the battle (yes battle) in lovingly nudging me to press that ‘submit’ for my World Race application (for those reading this blog, considering doing the race…I URGE you…DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!), but I am so glad God did, and will continue to, fight the battle of my heart. He continues to use the simple, daily things in my life, to teach me more about His Character, His Grace and ultimately, His love for me. This month, it has been through Squatty potties, Justin Bieber and Goat Cheese.
Through constantly having to use the squatty, I realized very quickly how for granted I take things back at home. Although there have been a few funny stories that have happened to people on the squad with the squatty potties, in all seriousness, it’s the little things in life (ie warm showers and flushing toilets) that make you really appreciate what you have. I know that as this trip continues, this will be a daily reminder to simply be thankful for the life God has blessed me with growing up and right in this moment. We are called to give thanks in ALL circumstances right? Even when we are squatting over a hole in the ground.
Dare I say that God has taught me a lesson through Justin Bieber? Friends, its true. If you ask any young Albanian who their favourite singer is, chances are they will say Rhianna or Justin Bieber. I was reminded of the influence these young celebrities really do have literally ALL over the world. To be blunt, as talented (or un talented—it’s your call) that they may be, the influence and power they have in today’s society, is scary. Truth be told, it actually saddens my heart. The only person/being who SHOULD have that amount of power and influence in this world, is GOD and GOD alone. When people say God’s name, why do their faces not ‘lite up’ the way they do for celebrities? Why do people (as a whole) not do everything they can to ‘get a picture of God?’ Thank you Justin Bieber for singing “All around the world” and for igniting a fire in my Soul for Christ. Your right, we are going to spread the GOOD news all around the world. Thank you for fanning the flame to burn brighter in this World to pump people up for Jesus.
Our first meal here at camp, was breakfast. It consisted of prune jam, bread (lots of bread), one egg per person, butter, and cheese. (Little did I know that this would be the daily breakfast). I recall seeing the cheese and being very excited for it. However, the excitement quickly died when I realized that it was most definitely NOT fresh, squeaky New Bothwell cheese. Indeed it was goat cheese. I will be honest, after my first taste, I quickly concluded that goat cheese was NOT my thing and I would not be eating any more. It tasted stale, had a weird texture and was just odd. Well, let’s just say that it has grown on me and the meals that we have now where there is no goat cheese, is a little sad. It has become something I now anticipate (and look forward too) each breakfast. Yes, Nikki now officially enjoys goat cheese. Through this, God has nudge me in a new way and brought to life, a different perspective on my story, my testimony. I realized that a lot of my story and my walk with Christ, has been like tasting Goat cheese. The initial excitement of ‘tasting something new’, quickly dies when it just becomes a daily routine. Church itself, can (and does) grow old fast. For many of us (myself included) we begin to almost resent the church and what it stands for. Praise Jesus that He is relentless and pursues us even when we do not want to be pursued. As much as I enjoy church and times of worship here, I miss my home church community already. To me, my church family grew on me and it was honestly one of the hardest things to leave. Thank you Jesus for the blessing of a church family like the one I have.
I am excited to see where God leads the team I am on, along with the squad as a whole. At the time of writing, we are unaware of the country which we will be going to next, yet I know that no matter where we, literally, go in the world-God will continue to teach me more about Him through the simple things in life. It may not be through squatty potties, JB or goat cheese next month, but my eyes will remain open to His teachings. To His nudges. To His relentless pursuit of my mind, soul and heart. Thank you Jesus.
