Hi everyone! It has officially been one week of ministry in Sielmat, Manipur! Right now I’m typing under my mosquito net trying to remember all of the things we have been blessed to do so far! I guess this blogpost is a highlighted version of all ministry activities slash (/) what the Lord is teaching me!
From our first week I have taught 3 third grade classes (do I want to be a teacher again? Stay tuned for potential major change #9), sat in on a surgery, eaten really good noodles and gotten to connect with some students at the local seminary my age! Our first ministry day included going to a school where they split all of up individually to go into a class! What they did not tell us was that we were to teach that class! Y’all I didn’t even realize this was the deal until about 30 minutes in. But the Lord is so good in allowing things to flow so smoothly and bringing to mind games and Bible stories to share! It was so much fun talking with the teachers and spending time with my class which had 45 students in it. We will be back there on Tuesday and let me tell you I am preparing for sureeeeee
One of my favorite moments so far was when me Jill, Chaelie & Kelsi walked to an area overlooking a field where people play cricket and soccer (futbol) and had our quiet time and really enjoyed each other’s presence although we were quiet. It’s so funny how the first time things happen they seem so new and the more you do them, the less foreign they really are. I am figuring out my way around this village (y’all know that’s something) and getting acquainted with the people here by name which is so cool!!!
Also the food here is so yummy mom don’t worry I’m eating plenty but would really love a brownie batter blizzard when i get home
WHICH REMINDS ME one day i was already back home and a few friend teammates brought me a little treat because it reminded them of me & a brownie batter blizzard which really touched me in a deep way that not only would they think about me but think about my love of brownie batter blizzards and BUY something just to make me smile which really made me cry
Another memorable moment was getting to spend time with a few seminary students and help them with their English! They started learning just 3 months ago & I’m so amazed of how well they’re doing! They have SOOO much dedication to the Father that is truly inspirational. A lot of them have left their families to attend this school to learn about Jesus and pursue ministry. Not only is that utter abandonment for the Lord, but they are learning English and Greek to help with understanding the word. Half of the young men I’m talking to said they will probably not use English after seminary because their villages don’t speak it, so wow they’re learning TWO languages here along with so many other things. They are so thirsty for Jesus it encourages me to not have one single part of my life to hold for myself. It’s all His.
One thing I’m being overwhelmed with here is the sense of community and unity. My squad are people I would truly prefer. They each bring so much and without just one of them would throw off our dynamic. But also how included we are in this community in Manipur. Every where we go we are greeted with tea and there isn’t a person you pass on the road that doesn’t say hello. The other day going to Hazel’s house just having some girl chat with some of our squad mates & her reminded me that Jesus is bringing all of these people together and how blessed I am to be here to share Jesus and grow deeper with the people here.
I’m learning to not be so strong in myself. I’m learning what it feels like to be closer to Him than I am my family. I’m learning that it’s always worth it to pursue Him. I’m learning what it feels like not to carry shame. I’m learning how to verbally speak what the Lord is saying and being confident that it’s Him. I’m learning a lot about bucket showers truthfully. I’m learning that Jesus is my reason, my song, & my true companion who has my best interest. He sees me blameless and worthy. Thank you, Jesus.
SOOOO many good things are happening here that I can’t put it this because wow it would be lengthy but HELLO! Please be praying for the people we minister to, the hospital patients we pray over, the children we are teaching, and the seminary students in their studies. And for this squad! We are all so eager just to live out this ministry and I am loving watching it. Thanks friends!!!
