Cambodia
The place where I learned to sacrifice, strive, look up. It was here that I let go of my need for material comfort. It was here that I rediscovered the innate desire in my heart for my creator. It was here that I quit looking behind me and staring at old photos, and started seeing where God had led me in the present.
Honduras
Security. These two months were a whirlwind of tough lessons, but through it all I came out knowing the hands that hold me. I learned that people fail and bodies decay and places are just places, but God is constant. We change and we doubt and we question and chase and wonder and fall but when we do it all with a heart for the Lord and a spirit that rejoices, He fights for us. He is our refuge and strength, He protects us trough trouble. And he simply cannot fail.
Guatemala
Confidence, trust. God’s sovereignty is one of my favorite things about Him (must I choose), because it means we don’t even have to TRY for plans that he already has for us. People don’t get in the way of God, He has his way— always. So with a heart of thanks and joy, challenges become beautiful because we not only trust, but have complete confidence in the God who brought dry bones to life. Confidence that whatever life brings us is either a blessing or an opportunity for growth in him.
Ethiopia
Perseverance.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James? ?1:2-4? ?
These three months brought some of the most difficult things I’ve ever been through. They pushed and tugged and yanked on my dirty and worn feet, but my foundation didn’t fail me. It couldn’t and wouldn’t. Every time I wanted to quit, I found myself on my face at the altar— right where I started. Not only did I learn that I valued the hard stuff, but that in life it’s important to chase the hard stuff down. Because it’s considered PURE JOY to endure the things that make us weep and make us sweat, because that’s what brings more faith. God is with us and in us, we can choose to lean on him through everything and let him fight our battles.
