So, we’ve been in India for a few days, but getting here was quite an adventure. I wrote this blog post on the plane, and I would love to share all the ways the Lord was working, even while we were still in Atlanta!
August 9, 2017
Y’all….WE ARE FINALLY DOING IT!!! WE’RE ON THE WORLD RACE!! I am literally in the air on my flight to India RIGHT NOW. All very exciting stuff.
We’ve been in Atlanta for a few days doing a few days training and worship. It’s been so good to be here with my team and look forward to leaving the states. I am so expectant of how God will move this year!
So, our first travel day hasn’t exactly gone as planned. We spent most of the day shuttling around the airport and getting through security to catch our evening flight to Doha. Our whole squad was sitting at the terminal. They never started calling people to board, then announced that the flight was cancelled because of plane damage! By 11 PM we were eating dinner at this very fancy hotel in Atlanta, wondering if we’d get to fly out tomorrow. Even though a lot of unexpected things happened, we had some cool moments through all of this. Here’s a snapshot of the day we never actually left Atlanta.
1. Attitudes matter! – When things go wrong, its really easy to get frustrated. It’s easy to get short and selfish. It’s easy to push to the front and make sure that your are not going to be overlooked. As I watched our logistics team and our squad leaders navigate this cancelled flight, I saw them operate in such humility and grace. They showed patience and kindness to the airline staff and other passengers. Watching them made me so thankful and appreciative of their character and their presence on our squad.
2. Rest. -Today, when I was reading through Mark 6, There’s a verse where Jesus says to the disciples “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” I wouldn’t consider Atlanta a desolate place, but I love that the Lord values rest. We’ve been training in Atlanta for almost a week now, and even though we are just starting our journey, I am thankful for another day of rest. This delay could be so we can physically, emotionally, and mentally prepare for India; answered prayers for safety; or so much more. Also, I am thankful for a fluffy bed, a fancy hotel, and a good breakfast.
3. Ministry begins now: – We do not need to wait to land in India to share God’s love. We talked to so many people at the airport about Jesus today! Singing worship songs and praying throughout the evening was not wasted time. As I read through the gospels, I notice that Jesus was always interruptible. People came to him to be healed. They asked him to cast out demons. They grabbed his clothes in a crowd. Jesus ministered to those in front of Him. And, as I begin my world race journey, I am praying that the Lord will give me this intentionality and awareness of those around me who need to feel His love.
I know the Lord is going to teach me so much this year. And, I can’t wait to share about India! This travel day started Monday at 9:30, and I should be to Doha by about 9 AM, Stay tuned! (Longest travel days EVER)
p.s. We head out tonight to Southern India to do ministry, so please pray for safety, health, discernment, and boldness. Here we go!
