You know the verse do everything without groaning or complaining? God has definitely spoken to me through this passage… well I should said wrecked me. I have realized that being on the race for a total of 17 days (including travel days) I complain A LOT. It may not be aloud but I am most definitely thinking it. Our thoughts are to be pure and of the Lord, and mine haven’t been. With that being said I would like to change that by being thankful. God calls us to that. His name is lifted high when we are most thankful in Him. Here are some things that we do in Dondo, Mozambique and though it seems difficult there is ALWAYS something to thank the Creator for.
We have to shower with buckets. No running water. No showering with two hands. No warm water. Cold, bucket showers is what we get. I am thankful that we have water to wash off the caked on dirt off our bodies. I am thankful that we get to shower inside a bathroom with a curtain.
We are always dirty and smelly (even after those bucket showers). I am thankful that the boys at our ministry sight are always wanting to have fun, and with boys that involves getting dirty. I am thankful that the boys at Kedesh are full of life and love to be loved. I am thankful that the boys love to splash us with the gross swamp water, there is nothing better than seeing them laugh when splashing you.
We are getting eaten alive by all sorts of bugs. I am thankful for bug spray and tea tree oil. I am thankful that my team generously lends me their stuff to take care of me because I wasn’t prepared.
We are working, sleeping, and eating in what feels like 200-degree weather. I am thankful that for the past couple days it has been 150-degree weather. But REALLY I am SO thankful that it has been substantially cooler lately.
We have been eating rice, bread, and rice every single day. I am thankful for days that we get to go explore and eat pizza and chocolate mousse. I am also so very thankful for the women, Joyce and Victorina, who are constantly cooking for 50 people.
We have been facing the side effects of doxy. Skin burning (literally on fire) and nausea. I am thankful that though it doesn’t completely prevent malaria it does slow the process. {{please pray against malaria.}}
We are seeing the world of overseas transportation. Whether we are stuffed in a small mini-van with far too many people or thrown in the back of a truck that hits every bump possible, it’s way different than what I am used too. I am thankful that we don’t have to walk around everywhere to get where we are going.
We are getting vulnerable. This is a tough one. I am thankful that my squad and team are willing to get down to the nitty gritty. I am thankful that the Lord has brought so many people from different backgrounds to live life with each other. I am thankful that regardless of where we have come from, Jesus has redeemed and restored. I am thankful that He brings beauty out of ashes.
I AM THANKFUL that the Lord has entrusted us with His gospel. I am thankful that I get to experience God by traveling the world and loving on His people. I am thankful that I serve a good Father that cares so deeply about His children. I am thankful the Lord is challenging me to be thankful in the little things.
