For me, one of the hardest parts about the World Race is all the sacrifices that I have made in my appearance. Oh man, even to write it sounds incredibly vain but its 100% honest. I sometimes catch myself day dreaming about the boxes full of clothing, dresses, high heeled shoes, purses and other such belongings I left behind a mere 3 months ago. Even in writing this blog I had a realization that this is bound to intensify as I still have 8 (ish) more months to go.
So, as redundant as it may have seemed up to this point, God has continued to theme my months for me this year. Philippines was about “Mess”, China was about “Warfare” and South Africa has seemed to sum up the whole theme for my year which is “freedom”.
I never realized how much I allowed my clothes and style of hair to shape my personality. It sounds very strange, but you try giving up all the ways you outwardly express yourself and tell me how easy it is for you to feel “comfortable in your own skin.” This month, God has allowed me to walk in freedom of that. A freedom that I don’t remember feeling since I was a kid. Back when I threw on a t-shirt and jeans to play outside for hours. When a little dirt on my face didn't take away my smile. Back when my appearance didn't measure the amount of fun I had or times I laughed or even how I felt about myself. A time when I remember feeling the happiest I had in life. A freedom of being myself. It’s as if he literally unchained the “little me” inside to let myself take control again.
I still find it ironic that God placed me on a team as the youngest individual, seeing as how I am the oldest of 10 kids. But I am so certain that it was for this very reason – to find my inner child again.
Our ministry this month is children; children in their every day, decision-making lives. We are living in Elsiesrivier, Cape Town this month. We live with wonderful, beautiful “Ma and Pa”. They have been named so by their community. Ma and Pa’s mission is to give these kids something to hope for in life. Most of these children have troubled families. They come from brokenness, disappointment and neglect. Yet these kids are thriving in community with one another. Most of them have problems to worry about that most adults in America won’t have to stress over. But every day after school, they come together for 3-4 hours and they get to be their fun-loving selves.
They teach us games. They laugh. They teach us dances and sing. And oh boy, can they sing! Such a reminder that yes, life brings you so much worry, stress and a load of problems that you have to sort through. But in the midst of it all, we are still children of God. We can feel freedom to dance, sing, run and play.
I feel so blessed to be a part of this beautiful ministry. To be apart of these kids experiencing childhood like they should (and experiencing another childhood of my own =)). Serving food to them. Reading them the word. Reminding them that they can always to turn Christ for guidance. He will never fail them.
Meet our wonderful kids. And meet the new me; the biggest kid of them all.
