From the
beginning we were told not to have any expectations for anything especially our
ministry for each month. Although we are given a paper with information
describing the ministry we will be doing, we have learned that once we get to
the actual ministry site it can look a lot different. My team goes by the motto
of “We don’t actually know what is
happening until after it has already happened.” Such is the case this month.
Instead of building relationships with at risk teens like we originally
thought, we are now clearing fields with machetes and planning a kids program
for six Christmas parties. Our contact’s ministry doesn’t actually exist quite
yet. It will be starting up in January.
However, our contacts have been working on God’s vision for this
ministry for ten years now. They even lovingly refer to it as their baby.
Helping clear the field and dig holes for a new fence.
I was surprisingly not
disappointed at all when we were informed that we wouldn’t actually be working
with teenagers this month. I don’t know that I would have felt that way if it
had not been for the changes the Lord made in me last month. I think I have
made it to a place of dependence on the Lord and it is absolutely amazing! The
brokenness that I walked through last month was painful; however, it created a
dependence on the Lord when I had nowhere else to turn. I have never walked in
such freedom and joy as I am walking in right now.
“It is
for freedom that Christ has set us free.” – Galatians 5:1
I know that I am exactly where I
need to be, with the people I need to be with, doing the ministry I need to be
doing because God knows exactly what I need. Seeing how the Lord changed me and
how much I grew in just a month’s time last month, has deepened my trust in the
Lord. Even if I don’t understand why certain things happen the way they do, I
can take comfort knowing that God knows exactly what He is doing. I know that
my King loves me and works everything for my good.
“In him
we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who
works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.” -Ephesians
1:11
Even though this month doesn’t
look anything like what I thought it would look like, God has used it to show
me just how much work He did in me last month. It has be incredible to reflect
back on who I was going into last month and who I am now. It blows my mind just
how quickly God can change me, and I feel blessed to be on this life changing
journey with Him. I know I am just at the beginning of this journey, and I am
sure I will experience many more moments of brokenness. However, I have now
experienced the joy and freedom beyond words that is waiting on the other side.
Once again I can’t even express how grateful I am for your support that is
allowing me to spend a year pursuing my King and His will for my life, a year
to find my identity in Christ and learn to walk confidently into the woman He
is calling me to be. Thank you just isn’t enough for the incredible gift you
are giving me by making this journey possible.
A few pictures of our current jungle home to give you a better idea of where we are living.
What we pulled up to after our 29 hour travel day…
Our backyard…yes that is the jungle including monkey’s and toucans.
Our open air kitchen. Note the jungle in the background.
Our bathroom (to the left), dining room, and living room.
