8 months in, and each country has had something special to offer, I like to think Im a little bit more wise. Here is a little summary of each month, and just a few memories I have yet to share.
Dominican Republic- Sit with Jesus, even when it feels dry. I sat with my Squad Mentor one afternoon and told her “Kate, when you say reading your bible is exciting I think your lying to me. I don’t believe that the Lord can actually speak to you through the word, I think all Christians are faking it, because I’ve been faking it”. The reality is that I was never taught how to read my Bible, no one ever sat down with me and shared their passion with me, so I made the assumption that it was normal that my time with Jesus was always dry. I woke up early each morning, sat with Jesus, and struggled through. Most days it was boring, I was distracted, and not passionate. I knew that if I could make it a habit one day, hopefully, something would change.
These girls were a highlight of all squad month. A picture included, just for you Grandma Two Tables!!
Haiti- People have stories to share, find Jesus in them. We did SVT (Strategic Village Time) every day that month, we went out every morning and found people to talk to. Sitting in their houses, talking about Jesus, listening to the stories that they are willing to share with us. I found a passion for women this month, a passion to make women feel seen, a passion to empower and uplift the people in society that are often over looked. These women have lived incredible lives, seeing and experiencing things I simply never would. This month I saw the power of being the hands and feet of Jesus, but also the ears, sitting and listening. Jesus used Haitian women to open my eyes and see his glory.
We had the privileged to spend a week in one village, giving us the chance to get to know the same kids each day. This girl was my shadow that week, I miss her hugs more and more each day.
Botswana- Sitting with Jesus, even when it felt dry paid off. Botswana was huge for me, the most fruitful 2 months of my life. As I sat with the Lord for hours in the morning and hours at night, Jesus’ voice was loud and clear. Some days felt pointless, I’ll be honest, but I was full. I made it through the New Testament in 30 days, and was genuinely excited to hangout with the Lord, something I could have never said in the DR. This month changed my life forever
Thank you Jesus for Prudence.
South Africa- My mind was all over the place in South Africa, I was learning about generosity and child-like faith. God taught me about him as father, he is such a good father. I learned that my idea of a father was skewed, earthly fathers and my heavenly father are 2 completely different ideas, it’s not fair of me to compare the 2. I was figuring out that my time is precious, in order to do ministry well, rest is needed, not just resting my body, but resting in the Lord presence.
Boushki and Tiffany stole my heart while in Heidelberg
Philippines- DAUGHTER. Botswana and South Africa was all about God the Father, but as soon as I claim God as my father I have to be able to call myself daughter… but what the heck does that mean?? Loved as a daughter, seen as a daughter, known as a daughter of the Most High.
Leslie. Her real name might be Helen, but I prefer Leslie.
Haikou written by me, for Zane. Enjoy!
He’s always funny
You deserve that hotdog thing dude
White feet and white hands
