When I first started writing this blog, I was filled with regret. How could I have let over a month go by without sharing about my first four months of the race in Africa? As I sit here in now my sixth country, Cambodia, my hope is that this reflection could serve a better purpose than a blog that was written in the midst of it all. My vision has been cleared and better directed because of the space that has been built. I see things differently, and that is such a gift.
Four months in Africa. In four different countries. Sounds hard right? Yeah, it was! The heat…I’ll never forget it. Anyway, those four months were spent growing in so many ways. The Lord revealing so much (too much at times). Learning things about myself I never knew. Coming face to face with hard truths. Embracing highs and lows the best way I knew how. Making difficult decisions in hopes of a happy future. My first time away from home for such a long period of time. Learning from those around me. Stepping into a new kind of love for strangers.
These last four months have grown me; in sweet ways, and in tough ways. But it has all brought me here today. I miss Africa every single day. It will always be a home away from home for me. I wanted to share just a GLIMPSE into what I learned during my time there. This isn’t everything, but it’s a start.
- You can love someone so deeply even though you have only known them for 30 minutes
- Having no international data plan is so FREEING
- Social media can be such a liar
- Home isn’t going anywhere. But that doesn’t mean you appreciate it any less
- People really are praying for you
- God will speak to you if you ask. And He’ll speak in ways that’ll really grab your attention. Be alert and awake
- Tell kids that you love them. It may be the first time they hear those words
- Trust the people around you
- Sometimes you’re not going to have the words to help. Simply listening and being there can at times be more than enough
- Speak up when you need help. Express emotion
- Vulnerability is beautiful
- Language barriers are nothing to God
- Pop and Shima are NOT good
- Dancing with strangers can break walls down
- People actually listen to what you have to say
- Its okay to be sad at times. Don’t sit in it
- Thanking God in ALL circumstances changes the way you see everything
- You do NOT have to have it all figured out
- Pour out. But don’t forget to be filled back up
- Say yes to scary things. Do them scared if you have to
- Soccer is international and a great way to connect with people. Even if you suck
- Washing your clothes by hand is tiring but great alone time to think and pray
- Journaling is fruitful
- Supporting locals is essential. Give to those who are their own boss
- You’re never really ever clean but that’s okay
- Ask the hard questions. People will know your heart behind it
- Training dogs in Africa is nearly impossible
- You can’t fix everything. Sometimes you can’t fix anything. This is when prayer is powerful
- Local kids will call you white person…even though you’re not even white
- Jesus breaks chains you didn’t even know were holding you down
- Don’t eat gas station ice cream…
- Praising God in different languages is life giving
- Don’t eat a breakfast muffin in close proximities of wild baboons. While you’re at it, don’t make direct eye contact with them either. Scarring
- Overcoming fear is possible even in discomfort
- Naps are very much okay
- You can find things that remind you of home anywhere you go
- Your host family can love you like one of their own. Let them in. They care
- Snapchat filters are an instant hit with kids
- Locals love it when you try and speak their native language. Emphasis on try
- Sometimes all you can give someone is your time. Sometimes thats all they need
- When you ask the Lord to humble you, He does. It can hurt
- It’s never too late to ask for forgiveness
- Rest looks different everyday
- Take pictures and don’t post them. Hold on to them solely for the memory
- Worship can take many forms. As long as it glorifies Him, He takes delight in it
- Stay in touch to those who aren’t physically near you
- It’s perfectly okay to not look like the ‘perfect, ideal christian woman’
- Your past experiences could be something someone around you is currently walking through. Maybe they need to hear what brought you through it
- Share your testimony. So much freedom can come from it
- God is for and with you. In all circumstances. In the silence. In the chaos. All of it. It’s one thing to know that. Start feeling it.
Pray for Africa. It was a privilege to have lived life there.
