Homeless and Hopeless - Explore Archived World Race Alumni Blogs

“You’ll be the first from AIM to pioneer this land”
“You have to figure out shelter and food”
“You will be ON YOUR OWN”

Friday, 7 October 2016

I didn’t understand what any of these statements really meant until we were dropped off at a closed hostel. I checked my watch, 2:36pm. Great, in the heat of the day. I took inventory of our food: one tupperware of rice and beans, and a few liters of water – between the five of us. It was surreal. We were in the desert. No one was in sight. And our maps were misleading and useless. Where do you go when you don’t where else to go? Church. But, what if no one is home? Go to another church. And another. And another. And another.

6 churches. We visited 6 churches. Well actually, we kind of just walked by them because there was no sign of life in them. None. No one. I was ready to call it quits. I was frustrated. God, why did you bring us here? There is nothing here for us. We trusted you. I was disappointed and frankly, let down by God. We had spent a solid hour the day before praying specifically about where God was leading us. He gave me words. He gave Emily visions. He gave us hope. And now, we were homeless and hopeless.

This, this is where it happened. I gave up. I couldn’t do it on my own. We couldn’t do it on our own. This is where I honestly began to pray for help. As I wiped the sweat off my brow, and turned around to see if there was anything we were missing, I brought my hand to my forehead to shade my eyes as I looked out into the ghost town. Nothing. Wait, there. There! My heart jumped.. Another church! But this one would be different. I don’t know if that came from the Holy Spirit or my determination.

The gate is open. Walk in. There is a man welding. Talk to him. Wait, I don’t speak French (yes, French Guiana is a colony of France so everyone speaks French! Sounds cool until you realize you can’t talk to anyone..) Thank God for French speaking teammates! Anouk spoke with him for a few minutes. He got on the phone and she turned back and peaked a smile.

Little did we know, 2 hours later, we would be loading up our packs into the back of a small Toyota truck, with AC mind you, headed to our new home. Nothing can describe the feelings that followed. Let me just show you…

Our host family here in Kourou consists of our spunky, strong willed Mama Sariah, incredibly intelligent Papa Stephan, Gloria our new 15 year old sister, and Victoria our new 14 year old sister. We have two pups, and a mansion of a house. There is a pool out front, a large patio with the best hammock I am currently laying in as I write, and our very own living space. We have an AC room, a full bathroom (tub included.. what?!) AND a full kitchen, WITH running water!!

We have been BLESSED beyond our imagination. We are paying way under budget in a country that should be costing us our budget x3! Our first night, we were rushed into a hot plate of soup, a couple of french baguettes, and lots of delicious juice (I can’t express to you how valuable that last one is on the race). After dinner, we all piled into the truck and went for a joyride led (in the most passionate French yelling I’ve ever heard) by Mama Sariah.This is where we learned a few things.

Kourou is bigger than you expect. There is the most beautiful beach we’ve seen yet in running distance of the house. Papa Stephan works at the European Space Center here. Yes, he’s an engineer on rockets.. No big deal. PLUS there is a very large grocery store here!! And everything is imported from France. SO, magnifique French meals coming right up!

God shocked us. Deeply. He loves us, and wants to take care of His kids. He is doing amazing things here and I cannot wait to tell you more about the ministry doors that are opening for future teams! But first..

2 Corinthians 9: 10-15 says,

He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!

I read this the morning we woke up here in paradise and tears welled up in my eyes. God, you had every detail planned long before we prayed. Before I doubted, before I gave up, before I really started to lean on you. Yet, your promises never change. Trust is everything. Our Father is always there to protect, provide, and guide. He’s there when we are experiencing a drought, when we’re walking through the wilderness and when we feel so alone, He is there. He knows our every need. He is a good dad.

Here are our first few days Kourou, His inexpressible gift!