Though we finished in North Africa several weeks ago I have yet to post my final blog from there. So..here it is! Just a few memories and moments I am finally getting around to sharing! 🙂
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord…” (Jeremiah 29:11a)
As we got to North Africa, I had no idea what to expect! But God had plans for us before we even arrived that I would never had thought up on my own.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)
First of all, one of the biggest culture shocks I experienced was the hospitality of everyone. We would meet people in the mall and the next moment we would be going over to their house for food and of course, mint tea. Honestly, their hospitality was pretty convicting. They didn’t schedule out a time to plan for us, and sometimes they really did not have that much to offer. And yet, they still gave so much of themselves and their resources to serve us and make us feel right at home. How much more, as followers of Jesus, should we be willing and ready to serve in the same way.
“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.” (1 Peter 4:8-9)
With meeting people of different backgrounds and beliefs also came some moments that forced us to step out of comfort zones…
…but, once out of comfort zones, some amazing doors were opened as relationships were formed and trust was built. The seeds were planted, Christ love was shared, may God give the growth!
“So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.” (1 Corinthians 3:7)
Aside from meeting locals, we had some other great opportunities! Some within my comfort zone…
…and others not so much.
(As a veterinary assistant I have had some experience as far as shaving a dog for surgery, but really I have very little grooming experience. I was nervous and terrified of doing something wrong, but everything turned out just fine. In fact, this dog belonged to a beautiful couple that played such a huge rule in encouraging my heart last month. Ultimately, I was so grateful I could bless them in any way I was able.)
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies–in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To Him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 4:10-11)
Speaking of animals, God used quite a few of them to bring me comfort and joy in North Africa. Such a sweet little nothing that really meant the world to me. God is so good even in the things we consider so small.
“Give me a sign of your goodness…for you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.” (Psalm 86:17)
Here are some of the magnificent views North Africa has to offer…
…as well as some of the fun ones that made me smile and laugh!
We got to enjoy some really great views as a team…
..and sometimes the views were not quite as exciting as we had no choice but to stare at the person standing/sitting in super close proximity to us on the crowded buses.
Ultimately, God’s creation is absolutely stunning from the beautiful people we have encountered to the oh so many natural wonders. What great peace can be found as we just sit in His handiwork and recognize nothing is too difficult for our God.
“Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you.” (Jeremiah 32:17)
All in all, North Africa was an adventure. It had its ups and it had its downs, but ultimately after six weeks it really did become my new home. So here I am now in Cyprus, torn out of that temporary home and placed into a new one. Cyprus has been a challenge for me and I am still yet to feel settled. Maybe not such a bad thing as we uproot ourselves once again a week from now. God has been gracious though as I have had a lot of time to spend resting in Him and His Word. With His strength, all things are possible. With His guidance I press on continually in prayer. Prayer for opportunities to share Christs love with those around me, prayer for His daily dose of wisdom and discernment, prayer for His will and His will alone to be accomplished, and prayer for His name to be praised through it all. All glory be to God forever and ever! Amen.
“Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord; his going out is sure as the dawn; he will come to us as the showers; as the spring rains that water the earth” (Hosea 6:3)
