I’ve moved from Botswana to South Africa, but I’m still processing my time in bots! I made a list of the things I learned there, because I have never felt more growth take place in my life than in the last two months. I wanted to share some of the things I learned, hoping that maybe one of these resonates with you or encourages you. Without further delay, here is what God taught me in Botswana.
•Peace is the awareness of the goodness and presence of God with you always.
•Friendship is sweet and a gift. Not to be abused or depended on.
•Outside is better. Outside of your comfort zone. Outside in the fresh air. Outside of the norms and boxes you’ve lived in before.
•No wifi is the most fun thing you could do.
•Sacrificing things of comfort can bring you close to the Lord, but sometimes he offers you really good gifts that allow you to enjoy Him more.
•Learn what is temporary. Learn what is eternal. Prioritize based on that.
•Seek FIRST the kingdom of God and all these things will be added to you.
•Kids under 10 make the best best friends.
•Anyone is worth talking to. Everyone has a story to tell and a desire to talk about themselves. Be slow to speak and quick to listen.
•Balance is good.
•Thankfulness is life-changing.
•Purity should be in ALL things.
•Routine is important.
•Go to bed early. Get up early.
•Friends are the people you chose to be friends with. You can build a relationship with anyone you chose to.
•Women need to love each other, support each other, and fight for each other.
•Just because something is done, doesn’t mean it’s what should be done.
•You get to decide what your Ebenezer will be in each season of life. Will you leave a mark of complaint and passiveness, or of effort, hope, growth and love?
•You can learn a lot from the old testament.
•I really don’t need my phone all the time. It’s a real nice luxury from the Lord, but I don’t need it.
•You are worth inconvenience. (In other words, you are worth someone prioritizing you over their own convenience)
•Hope fuels our faith. It’s the beauty of life in everyday things. Without hope, we struggle to find purpose.
•Joke books are actually pretty funny.
•Shoes (I was down to one pair), cinnamon tea, and dried cranberries was the best Christmas present ever.
•You can get to know anyone in the kitchen.
•Mean what you say. Say little. Say what you mean.
•Ministry is not scheduled, it’s always. You have to chose it.
•You can use anything for ministry, including cookies and iced tea.
•Learning patience takes patience. Patience that has been shown to me has given me the space and time to grow, so be patient with others. Slow to anger.
•Kids are the next generation. They are the future.
•Work hard. Rest well. Work hard because you’ve rested well.
•Faith isn’t always easy. Faith is always pleasing to the lord.
•You can ALWAYS learn more.
Thanks for reading. Thanks for being invested in me and this crazy season I’m in. Thanks for your encouragement and kindness. Thanks thanks thanks.
Love,
Kate
