I am officially past the halfway mark on this mission trip and it is so crazy that this much time has passed so far. I have been so blessed to have this opportunity and am so thankful for everyone who has supported me on this trip! I have had such an amazing time in Malaysia so far as well. I have really enjoyed this country so much more because God has been teaching me how to savor the little things. The friends we meet, the relationships we get to build, and even the hard work, there is joy and contentment in everything in life. I am learning more and more how to be content, whatever the circumstance because God indeed gives us strength to find joy and contentment in every instance (Philippians 4:10-13). Even on a bamboo farm where the hours are long and the work is hard…there is joy to be found there (my team thinks they’re hilarious…which they are).
We have been working at an organic farm for the past week and will continue to be there this next week as well. The work has been everything from moving and cutting down bamboo out of a jungle (with more leeches and spiders than you care to see) to clearing land on the side of a very steep hill. It has been hard and definitely hot, but it is so great to see that this work is going towards building houses for workers and making way to grow more crops. I have really learned to let go of all of my expectations during these times of hard work as well. In most cases, the more expectations I put on things (people, situations, etc), the more likely I will be disappointed. Relationships will let us down, situations in life will let us down (of course not on purpose), but the one thing that is amazing through all of this is that God will not let me down (as cliche as that sounds…it is very true). He always blows my expectations out of the water when I least expect it. He never fails and from everything I have had to experience so far this year whether it has been fundraising or farming…God has been faithful, and will continue to be faithful (especially when I don’t put expectations on Him and what He can do).
The more and more I progress through this trip, the more I realize how much God has used this year to change me in so many ways. He has given me a passion for staying in contact with relationships back home, building relationships wherever I am, becoming a more selfless person that concentrates less on myself, being more passionate about reading His word and going after His heart, and the list goes on. I want Him to continue to change me as well to be someone that is really like Christ to everyone I meet…seriously. I really have no idea what my plans are for after this trip, but I know He is leading and numbering my steps as He always does (Psalm 37:23). I really appreciate the continual prayers and support from everyone! If there is anything you would like me to pray for specifically, feel free to email me at [email protected].
