Is it possible to learn new things from things you’ve already experienced?
When I had three possibilities of route options, this was my last choice. In a selfish way I thought “I’ve already experienced those 5 countries” and I had. I had already experienced 11 months of Asia and I was about to enter into another 5 with a slightly bitter taste in my mouth.
I met 52 young people at training camp whom now have become my people. I knew they would because there is something about traveling the world with a group of people who share so many commonalities with you. You’re the ones who decided to say ‘yes’ to a crazy season of fundraising $17,000 and every single person were the ones who said ‘yes’ to doing this journey ALONE. I had just met them in October, but I was so excited for what the Lord was going to do in and through them.
I’ve been in India for a little over 3 weeks. I feel convicted that I thought I knew what countries or squad would be best for me.
The Lord has shown His faithfulness in this season already. I’ve already seen India in a deeper way. I’ve seen new places, eaten new food, and met new people. And each day I have seen the Lord work in new ways.
Faithfulness defined; loyal, constant, and steadfast. Unwavering.
Yes, I’ve been to India before, but I’ve never gotten the chance to pray over a mother who is terrified that having another daughter will be destructive to her life. I’ve never gotten to see Christianity thrive in small villages throughout India. If I hadn’t returned to India—I wouldn’t have seen anything outside of Hyderabad. I wouldn’t have gotten a taste of the village, in a physical way in how our host cooked for us—but also in the way I got to walk into over 15 villages and enter into how they live their lives.
How could I think that in 1 month here last year I’d experienced everything the Lord had for me here?
I know there is huge purpose for me returning to Asia.
The past three weeks as I’ve entered back onto the field I know the Lord keeps reminding me, that this is where I’m supposed to be! These 52 young people the Lord has placed me to lead—are also people that will push me. I see myself in so many of them as they have chosen to pursue the same things.
Just like each time I read the book of Daniel in the bible I get so much out of it. The Lord uses a book I’ve read many time to speak to me in new ways. I also read the book of James at least twice a month. Why read something again and again? Because the Lord continues to use something I’ve experienced to speak new life to me.
Just like He has used the same book in the bible to speak new things over me—He also has used a country I thought only had a one time lesson. He has given me a heart for a country I thought I knew. So I think yes—it is possible to learn new things in a place you’ve already experienced. I am forever thankful that the Lord is continually faithful in leading me to exactly where I need to be. And right now that means sleeping on the floor in Hyderabad, India surrounded by 6 girls who love the Lord and want to see His name be know all over the world—and I love that He has placed me here.
