That was so fast! Officially 6 days until PVT(parent visitation trip). It feels bitter sweet because I’m so excited to see my parents but so sad to leave our ministry. The friendships that have been made here are one of a kind and I am so sad to leave them. A lot has happened here in Africa! It has been 3 months of struggle and growth. Honestly the most struggle and growth I’ve ever had in my life! Here are 10 things Iv’e learned here in Africa:
One: I need to be still. I’m pretty sure I’ve already talked to y’all about my process of learning to be still but it is so important! To take time and rest in the Lord’s presence is such a precious time.
Second: I’ve learned that since I’m always doing the Lord’s work, getting attacked by the enemy is a natural repercussion. He will try and throw crap at you to distract you from growing God’s kingdom. I will continue growing the Lord’s kingdom until the day I die so I will continue receiving hardship and lies from the enemy. The amazing thing is, I have the Lord by my side always. He has already won the battles. We need to trust him in those hardships.
Third: Evangelism is one of my favorite things to do; to go out and love on people who may have never received love. To tell people about Jesus who have never heard his name. To dance with strangers and not get judged. To not only give love but receive it as well. To do what Jesus did everyday of his life on earth. To heal. To watch people give their lives to christ. I will continue doing evangelism for the rest of my life.
Fourth: Jesus is always there even when you don’t feel him. God’s presence is more than a feeling, it’s a way of life. He is within us forever and always.
Fifth: Not having access to your phone all week is amazing. You’re forced to hang out with the people around you. You get to know them deeper than you would if you were distracted with social media and you learn tons of games you didn’t even know existed!
Sixth: South Africa is so beautiful and filled with the kindest of souls. The people here open their arms with love. They have Jesus in their hearts and most don’t even know it.
Seventh: Speak truth in love. Tell the ones you love and are always around how you’re feeling. Encouraging them to step into the hard things. Let them know if they hurt you. Be honest and be love.
Eighth: I’ve learned that laying on a pallet on the grass at night watching the stars and talking about Jesus and life is a must!
Ninth: God has the future in his hands. Having only 3 months left of the race really makes you think about what you’re doing after. The future is ok to think about but not when it takes over your thoughts. We aren’t promised tomorrow. I’ve said this a lot in my past blogs, but it’s so true.
Tenth: I’ve learned how much my girls love me! Abby, Acacia, Alex, Cierra, Katie and Kenzi are the most amazing! These new sisters of mine have loved me through thick and thin. They love me when I’m dramatic, angry, happy, sad, through anything. I’m so blessed!
I’ve learned way more than ten things here in Africa, but these are the ones I can think of. I am so grateful for this part of my life and hopefully I will be coming back here to South Africa someday! I am so excited to see what God does in Thailand as we soon venture off to our next home. The race is flying by and will be done in the blink of an eye.
“Unkulunkulu Ikubusise” means ‘God Bless You’ in Zulu, which is a common language here. I named my blog this to say God bless you to South Africa and all my new brothers and sisters in Christ I met here. I’m always so sad saying bye to people I’ve grown relationships with but then I remember I’ll see them again someday.
