Mongolia has been harder than I imagined it would be. Physical, emotionally, and spiritually it has been incredibly difficult. And because of this, I’ve been growing and changing.
My squad coach, Machel, challenged me to do things I feared; things that scared ever part of me. So this month I have been pressing into the uncomfortable and the unexpected result is that it is setting me free.
In the national park, when a group of my squadmates decided to ride horses, even though I hate horses, I went too.
During team time, when other members of my team were sharing their feelings, I shared my true feelings as well.
On the first Sunday, when the pastor said they needed someone to give their testimony in front of the church, I volunteered to share my story with less than an hour’s notice.
An equation that never made sense to me is now becoming clear:
When my comfort ends– when I stop relying on myself and instead rely on God and others– I find freedom.
When I hopped on my horse, putting my trust in him and where he would take me, I was brought to an incredible scene of the Mongolian mountains ahead and valleys below.
When I spoke into words how I was feeling to my teammates, I opened doors to new conversations and formed stronger bonds with them.
When I stood in front of the church and shared how I began my relationship with God, I got to hear the “amen”s coming from the crowd of Mongolians. I was able to share the love I feel from God and connect with them on a spiritual level.
Had I not faced my fears?
Had I counted the risks too much.
Had I not mounted the horse or began to speak to my team or walked in front of the congregation, I would not have experienced any of those significant moments.
I would not have seen the beauty of nature encompassed in one scene, I would not have made a second family, and I would not have seen God use me to do His work in a Mongolian church.
It’s become so evident:
Freedom begins when my comfort ends.
