First off, let me semi-apologize for not having posted nearly a thing since being in India. I’m not going to lie, at first it was pure laziness, but as the month progressed I realized that God was calling me to spend time with Him without distractions. He didn’t want to teach me something just to hear me say, “Wow! That would be a great blog post!” or have me taking pictures just so I could post them. I really felt The Father telling me to wait, so I did, and the reward has been great!
So here is the big thing God did in me while in India!
When I was first applying for the race and deciding upon a route, I felt extremely called to India. I wasn’t quite sure why, but I felt like God was telling me to choose a route that went to India. I figured it had something to do with what I could offer (like public health skills) or the calling He has put on my heart for women.
When we received our ministry details, however, it was apparent that He had different plans for me. We were going to be doing construction (one of my least favorite activities) while being fully covered due to Indian traditions of modesty for women. We would also be doing village outreach and prayer walks (another thing I still lacked confidence in). On top of all those things, we were also going to be staying with the whole squad, outside the city, with no A/C, sleeping pad beds, two showers/bathrooms for 34 women, no wi-fi, and traditional Indian meals prepared for us at every meal. Obviously you can tell I was super excited for this month…
This past month in India was difficult for all the reasons above. I knew I had signed up for all those things, but actually having them happen is different. Learning to adapt and continually rely on the Lord when your stomach can’t candle another curry breakfast is a serious thing. But as the days began to pass, I started to get a glimpse of why I think the Lord called me here.
I feel like the Lord called me to India not so I could give my skills to the people. I think He called me here to break me; break me of my comforts, my striving to do good, and break me of who I thought I was. Through all of the difficulties this month, the Lord has really been at work and for the first time my eyes are wide open to it.
The Father is revealing to me more about who He is and about His promises; He is revealing to me that He is a God who heals, He is a God who cares, and He loves me intimately. He is showing me who He thinks I am; He says I am beautiful, strong, and dignified, and He invites me to take on this world and all its hardships with Him at my side, so I can be fearless of what the future holds (Proverbs 31:25). He assures me that the path will be narrow, difficult, and dangerous, but He also says that it will be a fight worth having. So despite all of the brokenness I experienced this month, He has made it beautiful, and that is worth celebrating.
P.S. I have been trying to add a video picture slide show! It will be coming as soon as the Internet will upload the video! Keep an eye out! Also, the video will make the name of the blog make some more sense! lol
