“Use me then, my savior, for whatever purpose and in whatever way you may require. Here is my poor heart, an empty vessel, fill it with your grace.” {D.L. Moody}
Last month in Swaziland my ministry included working as a teacher’s aid at one of the local Care Points, a daycare/preschool facility for kids ages 4-7 where they can come to learn and enjoy a safe, caring environment. From the very first day there I loved it, yet I knew it was going to be challenging. These kids don’t necessarily come from the most loving families or backgrounds, and it’s apparent that a lot of them don’t receive much affection. Most of their clothes are ratty and torn and their shoes are falling apart, the soles completely worn down. They don’t have the best of manners, and their idea of games include taking turns hitting and kicking one another. But despite all of this, they are some of the brightest kids, with big hearts. In the first few days it was clear who the “trouble makers” were—the defiant ones, the conflict starters…but weeks later, they were some of the most loving ones, who simply crave attention, affection, and love.
So that’s what God had called me to do last month: to be His hands and feet and love on His children, his precious sons and daughters who otherwise might not experience the love they deserve. It was exhausting. It was challenging and frustrating at times, but oh so rewarding.
God used the Care Point and those kids to reveal several things to me. He showed me, yet again, how blessed I am and all that I have to be thankful for. He reminded me of why I am on this crazy adventure called the World Race; and He gave me a glimpse of a direction for “life after the Race.”
For years, teaching has been in the back of my mind as a possible career option (despite my degree being in a completely different field—oops). Back in Cambodia my team’s ministry included teaching, and yet again last month I was working in a classroom-type setting.
Sitting in the classroom on the first day I was immediately overwhelmed by the desire to teach. As I looked around the room at all the decorations and sat grading daily assignments, I couldn’t help but fantasize about having a classroom and students of my own someday. The feeling continued to amplify throughout the month, and it felt like a good start in the right direction.
Obviously there is a lot to consider and pray about: which program, which school, which state even. And it’s been a struggle to not allow thoughts of the future to overwhelm me or take priority over things happen now, on the Race, months before I even return home. But it’s comforting knowing that I at least have some form of an idea of future plans. SO, prayers for continued guidance and peace of mind would be greatly appreciated. 🙂
Stay tuned for an update on this month in Jeffery’s Bay, South Africa!
My final fundraising deadline is coming up at the end of this month, and I’m currently about $1,300 away from being fully funded! (Donations are tax-deductible.)
