India carried expectation. India was hard. India was beautiful. India looked nothing like what I expected minus bright colors everywhere and tons of curry.
India contained growth. I secretly hoped to do little to no preaching on the Race; however, that is what ministry looked like all month. It stretched me because testimonies required variety and vulnerability. It asked me to share some of the things I never wanted to share but did out of obedience.
India asked me to look at myself and see the ways that the Lord was asking me to grow personally and in community. It asked me to look into my own heart, ask questions, and check motives. It pushed me to lay down lies that I’d believed and to fight for the truth.
India forced me to look at my community, to let them in more, and to serve them in ways that they needed. It bonded us quickly and differently as a team. We had to fight for one another over long distances, through constantly being present in a small space, and communicating fully.
India pushed me to see things from a different perspective and to choose understanding. It is by far the place with the most distinct culture I have been, and it could be shocking. I had to learn to move forward with grace and respect, even when it was not easy or necessarily my initial thought.
If I was given a list of choices for what my month in India could look like, this would not have been what I would pick. And when the Lord told me it would look different than I expected, it still caught me off guard. Now I can look back on the month and see what occurred and realize how different parts have shaped and molded me and my team for God’s glory.
From my heart to yours,
Kim
