dear africa,
three months later and I am amazed. the Lord used these three months in far greater ways than I could have imagined. I believe fully that you shaped me and freed me. God used you to open my eyes. to see what really matters in this life. for many of my christian years, God had been a very nice addition to my life. I would thank Him for how great things seemed to work out for me and fall into place. I would say that I trusted Him, yet run to others to seek advice and make my own plans just in case. I thought my blessings from the Lord were simply shown through my material belongings and how my life was turning out. yes, He has blessed me far more than i could imagine, by my perspective was way off. africa, you have shown me that God is not some exciting addition to my life. God is my life. He is all I have to offer. all I have, and most excitingly all I want now. I want nothing more than to serve and enjoy Him. I do not need material blessings to do this or to see His love for me. i’ve learned that this does not promise me a smooth life. He promises to provide me all I need- His presence. this does not mean that I will never hurt, cry, or go hungry. it means I will be given all I need to glorify Him through any and all situations. what i’ve learned in these three months, is that the rest really doesn’t matter at all. no longer consumed by what i will wear or what I will eat, yet instead- how I will glorify my Father. these three months showed me that by making Him my absolute everything, the other things seem pretty small. i’ve learned to hold everything else with an open hand. material items, future plans, worries, approval of others. no longer afraid to lack or suffer. i’ve been shown what truly matters, my God. my all in all.
these three months included many stares in public places, being asked on the spot to preach or sing at church, being told countless times how hard my name is to pronounce, walks through numerous villages to our friends homes, sweet friendships, unexpected blessings, three sweet holidays away from home, learning how to slow my mind and be flexible, chapati, tears, laughter, and many lessons.
thank you, africa, i am certain i will be back one day.
