11 countries in 11 months.
There are few things that are consistent from country to country or really from day to day. From the first moment we are told to be completely flexible and to leave unreal expectations at home. This proved to be helpful during the year of ups and downs, twists and turns.
Teams change, ministry changes, language and currency change. For 11 months we surrender our normalcy for a culture of change and confusion forcing us to completely rely on Jesus.
As I said final goodbyes to the ladies I did ministry with this month in Kosovo I realized there are a few consistent things that make all the sacrifice worth it.
The people.
Each month I have met someone who radiates Jesus, whether they know him or not. I meet people who love like he loves and live like he lived. This is such a sweet reminder that HE DOESN’T NEED US.
He wants us.
He could do this alone. He could share the gospel with the whole world but he chooses us. He tells us to go so that it can change us and change those we meet.
This year was nothing I expected and everything I could have hoped for. It wasn’t perfect, and it was often messy, but it was real. I am so thankful for the struggles, fights, celebrations, and fun. I see things I will never forget and made relationships with people doing things for the kingdom all over the world.
In one week I’ll be back in America and not much should change. There will be people who love like Jesus, there will be people doing hard things for the gospel, and there will be struggle and celebration. I get to do everything I have done all year with less of a barrier.
I can’t wait to be back and to share in person with all of you, from day one I have been so supported and that made this year possible. Recently I have been getting texts, facebooked, and emailed about the excitement of my return just like when I left and it warms my heart. Jesus has used you to keep my eyes fixed on him.
My adventure is not over. I’m not done traveling the world or being a missionary, my story has much more to go. It feels like I’ve lived life but really I’ve only just begun.
p.s.
my computer is kaput as they say in Romania, so pictures will have to wait until AMERICA, but I promise they are coming!
