MONTH 1

 

Morning devotionals

September 15, 2019

[ Ephesians 4:1 – “… I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called.” ]

I am called to be here. This is where I am supposed to be. This is where God wants me to be even if I don’t feel spiritually good enough or on the same page as everyone else around me. He’s got this Chloe. Trust and let go.

 

Day one of ministry

September 17, 2019 

Funny story: I met a 12 year old named Ziyanda who loves to sing. I was sitting with her in the classroom and she flipped open her journal and asked me to sing Reckless Love. Then after that, she flipped to another page in her journal and asked me to sing Girl On Fire by Alicia Keys. I died laughing. Why? I don’t really know. 

 

Pillow thoughts 

September 17, 2019

Jesus, you slapped me in the face with your truth. Thank you for that.

 

Ministry: day 2

September 18, 2019

I made at least 10 trips to the well to put my head under the ice cold water (that we sadly can’t drink because we would have diarrhea for days). And oh baby it was magical. 

 

Morning Devotionals 

September 19, 2019

[ 1 Peter 3:13 – “Now who can harm you if you are zealous for what is good?” ] 

This life isn’t for me. Take it. Do what you want with it. I live for you. This life is yours Jesus. 

 

Day 3 of ministry

September 19, 2019

Aminah. Bright eyes. Soft smile. Fiery spirit. Beautiful girl.

 

Today was full of waiting. Jesus shows up in the laughter of children and their dancing feet. But He also shows up in the mundane waiting period between preschool students leaving and elementary students arriving. The two hour time frame where we get the privilege to grow closer as a team, as a unit, as a family. Where we get to grow closer to you God. What a day today has been. 

 

Thank you for today Lord. Thank you for every breath I took today and for allowing me to breathe your life and your love into the sweet children of Mahangeni. Thank you for being so good, so wonderful, so beautiful. 

 

Sun down devotions

September 20, 2019

[ 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 – “When I came to you, brothers, I did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling. And my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”]

I always think I am not as close to the Lord or less than someone else because I don’t know a ton of stuff about the Bible and am just not that knowledgeable about Jesus himself. But this verse literally says your faith isn’t based on how much you know about Jesus or the Bible. Your faith should rest in the power of Christ alone. I don’t need to have a huge, deep, intellectual vocabulary when I’m talking about Jesus. I don’t have to be strong and pretend like I’m not afraid in situations where I am. I just have to rest in the truth that Jesus is so powerful and has everything under control. Faith is not based on knowledge. Faith is based on trust and truth. 

 

10:41 pm

September 21, 2019

As soon as I opened it, polaroid pictures of my family fell out onto the floor and I started sobbing. Man I miss those faces. 

 

Sunday morning church service

September 22, 2019

I went to African church this morning. The pastor spoke in English. Still have absolutely no idea what he said. I bet it was great though!

 

Goodmorning Jesus!

September 23,2019

10 things I’m thankful for:

  1. Chapstick
  2. The cool morning breeze
  3. Maggie’s laugh
  4. White chocolate cappuccinos
  5. My little brother’s hugs
  6. The sunset
  7. My hammock
  8. “Open when” cards from my friends and family
  9. Grace & mercy
  10. Loofas 

 

Song lyrics of the day

September 24, 2019

I see you right where you are

I’m holding onto your heart

 

Conversations with JC

September 25, 2019

I’m in a funk Lord. I’m settling into life here and all of the newness & excitement is wearing off. Light a match in my soul and set me on fire for you. Let me shine your light no matter what I’m feeling or when I’m feeling it. 

 

Sad girl hours

September 26, 2019

This 30 day phone detox is kicking my butt. Don’t get me wrong, I miss my family and friends so much. But do you know who I really miss? Jon Bellion. Not being able to scream Stupid Deep at the top of my lungs or sing all 15 parts of Hand of God is really making this girl Blu. (I’m so punny) Looking forward to hearing your beautiful voice very soon Jon. 

 

Quotes said by team YES (my team) 

September 26, 2019

Elisa: let’s just talk about God likes He’s a bro

Maggie: Yeah but like…… a mighty bro 

 

Elisa: Do you and the Lord talk on the phone? 

 

Lilly: Calligrography.. wait no. Calligrography… calligrography? 

 

What are the odds? 

September 27, 2019

  • chugged a large Redbull in 7 seconds
  • What are the odds
  • Oil slip n slide across the kitchen floor
  • Cracked egg on the head
  • “What are the odds you get bangs?”

“Let’s go.” 

Five seconds and a 3..2..1 later, we both said 6 and the cutting began.

  • Pure genuine happiness

 

Chloe Grace Optimism Hoskins

September 28, 2019

Distance makes the heart grow fonder. I never thought I’d be so happy eating Oreos in the middle of Africa until it reminds me of people I love back at home who eat 2 packs in one week. It’s the little things. 

 

TRUTH

September 29, 2019

[Galations 2:20 – “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for nothing.” ]

 

Scripture study

September 30, 2019

[Job 40:1-2 – “And the Lord said to Job: “shall a faultfinder contend with the Almighty?” ]

Do you ever read something in the Bible and just get SO HYPE about it? Who am I to try and contend with the most almighty being of the universe? I mean, not only is he the most almighty, he IS the Almighty. He is the name above all other names. Who am I to try and plan out my life when the Almighty has it planned out for me? Who am I to look at others as less than or dislike them when the Almighty created them in His image?  Shall a faultfinder contend with the Almighty? Absolutely not. It’s time that I stop trying to contend and let the Almighty take over. 

 

Day 38

October 1, 2019

Today marks day 38 without shaving my legs. My leg hair is longer than some of the men’s leg hair on my team. I have peaked. 

 

Late? Me? Never.

October 2, 2019

I woke up at 6:56am when devotionals started at 7am. Classic. 

 

Devo

October 3, 2019

[ Proverbs 31:25-26 – “ Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” ]