Past couple weeks I have been trying to come up with something inspiring for a new blog regarding ministry. I have nothing or do I. Not saying God is not doing anything, because he always is or that I am just hanging out enjoying my time because that my friend is not all the case. So, I was thinking maybe I should write about how God is working with me on PRAYER, nope. What about him teaching me about GRACE, nope again. I also thought maybe I can talk of how he is increasing me in EVANGELISM, PATIENCE, and WISDOM, no no no again. Ok well then I do not know. As the days went by I kept waiting for God to give me something. As I was getting ready for church the other day, all I got was that it is ok to not always be strong and that I can miss home and its comforts. Sounds fair. So here is where the thought of this new blog came. Can I be real with you?

 

It is 6 months into the World Race and away from home now. I cannot really say I am home sick, but I do have some things I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY miss. Some I say now they are essential. Back home in Texas I never realized other parts of the world do not have everything we do in the USA. Back home we think the world is like us and you can just run to the store when you need something. NOPE, not so much. Not in all countries. We are so spoiled in the U.S. and take what we have for granted. Let me begin by saying conditioner is not as a big deal in other countries I have been to so far, especially in Africa. Who knows, maybe just cannot find it. Some people probably thought I was crazy getting excited over conditioner in Ecuador, but it is a real thing. Like people say the STRUGGLE IS REAL. Sometimes it is just too expensive. For example, when you are on a budget, $6-10 it is a lot of money or you just cannot find it anywhere. I found some shampoo/conditioner here in Sunyani at one store but it is not the same. I have to use what is available and be grateful at least they have this. Otherwise it would have been bath soap I would be using. Also, can I mention mousse and hairspray are also not an item in other countries. Again at least not where I have been. 5 countries now and still cannot find any. Curly hair and letting it go natural, are not the best combination unless you just want a big frizz mess. So, I did find some hair oil and happy I found some. Little things in life that bring joy.

Back home I also never thought or put effort into vitamins. Who needs vitamins right? WRONG! My body has craved so much vitamin here in Africa that I have made it a thing to be in search of fruits. I know I was told to NOT eat anything grown from the ground but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. Finding coconuts, pineapple, watermelon, or papaya on the side of the road for less than a $1, I will not pass up on that offer, especially coconuts which are my favorite and I have been wanting since month one. I mean priorities right. God given food from nature.

 

Sometimes when doing ministry in Africa and praying for people you run into fruit trees like avocados and someone just gives them to you, 12 free ones to be exact. You also run a time and are blessed with free mangoes and oranges as well. So yes, fruits and their vitamins are important especially when it gets to a point where meat is not an option or you just choose not to eat it except chicken so you need to fill up with something else other than rice. There are things that just become essentials on the race. Ginger root has also become part of my life. Helps soothe the belly if you know what I mean. And don’t forget clean water because otherwise the runs are real in the race as well. That is a complete different conversation. For anyone doing a trip outside of home, Pepto or an anti-diarrheal is very vital. Could go the opposite effect as well. Just saying??. Let me add garlic to this. Very important and good for you as well. My dad kept trying to get me to take some back home but I would run from it because of smell. Now I am on one clove per day since month 4. I heard it is good to keep mosquitos away. Not sure how true that is, but I have not gotten bit by one yet. Thank God because Malaria is real. We hear about it but never realize it is actual true. About 32 diagnosed people already in the squad. Overall garlic is great for you so I would recommend taking some.

THANK YOU FOR READING THIS FAR…

Let me add something else, COFFEE. Back home I drank coffee just for the taste. In these countries, I feel like I need it. Maybe because freshly brewed coffee is not a real thing and I have been wanting some for some time now (probably 6 months). I really wanted some Colombian coffee but did not get any. Instant was their thing. Crazy huh? Yes, I thought the same. So now here in Africa and still instant coffee. Do not get me wrong because I am grateful for it. Must appreciate what I have

Now I will move along to something else. How about showers (big sigh)? Never realized how I miss a tub. Back home I disliked them. Will never say that again Only seen one so far and it was let me just say not pretty. Could go for a Lavender/peppermint/eucalyptus/Epsom salt bath as of right now. Talk about not liking them but I know exactly what I want. Miss taking a shower barefooted. Some people do, but I have not reached that point just yet. Not only that, but I miss hot showers. I have had some and not done the bucket showers yet. Not speaking for everyone, but it is also real. I still have been blessed especially with clean water so that I can’t complain. Just shared because it would be nice.

So, this next THING is one of my biggest wants and miss. The lady’s will understand. Yes feet! My feet have never seen the light of what they look like now. Ok, they are not that bad. Ok maybe YES. My heels are rough, feet are so dry. I need a serious pedicure. I know, I know that is luxury but I really do miss my feet feeling soft and never had they cracked Had a small pedicure in Ecuador and in Peru, BUT not the same and my feet still felt rough. One day I will get an awesome pedicure, but for now I choose to appreciate what I have with a smile on my face. Glad, it will be winter when it is time to be home because I can lose the sight of sandals for a long time, which is what is causing so much distress. I am being silly but me being real.

Thank you for reading even up to this point. Life and feelings at this moment in my life

Another item I really miss is a WASHER/DRYER available at all times. Let me say I have a deep appreciation for those people who hand wash clothing all the time and have no other option. Hats off to them. Very hard work. My life on the race has been hand wash and line dry. Family back home does it, but I am not a fan. Shows how spoiled I was. I can say that I am grateful for clean clothes everywhere I go though. Back in Cote D’Ivoire the previous team had someone hand washing our clothes. I am definitely very grateful for them and even though I thought I had it bad, I was blessed. There has been access to a washer at times, but still has not felt the same as back home. Overall I still am grateful. I could be going around smelling. Clean clothes even with a limited wardrobe is Great. Did I say this, yup! I only have 2 skirts, 1 pant, 2 shorts, 5 shirts and of course plenty undergarments. Socks, not sure about those, maybe 2 pairs left of regular socks. As much as I want to look cute and wear my other close back home, this has worked for me. I even got rid of some clothes last month. I knew I was going to live in the minimum and it has been true. I sit here and realize that I had way too much back home and never really appreciated it.

There are so many other things that I want and desire, but like I just mentioned they are just wants. I do not need them and I have lived well and survived these past months. I say to you reading to count your blessings and be satisfied with what you have. We hear and see on TV about other parts of the world who are poor. Not the case for everyone out here. Even the people with more money have less than I do back home. That is crazy. SO truly yes, we have it made back home. The problem is that we have become too greedy and want, want, and want more. I have learned and still learning to use and be appreciative of what I have. Even with the mall things that look so insignificant. People out here are truly living with the minimum and make it work. Be grateful with what you have and always think of how there are others that do not have what you do and would do anything for it. Again, I say count your blessings GOD has given you and do not take them for granted. This goes to me as well. Even with the little I have and carrying around this year, I have more than others. Thank you for reading until the end and listening to my heart right now. I know one day I will have these materialistic things again, but now I choose to enjoy the much I have and thank God for all the blessings.

God Bless you!