If I’m being completely honest I have had no desire to write any blogs in the last two or three months. With limited Internet and just not feeling motivated to write I have been a little disconnected from the blogging world. I feel like the only people who read my blogs are family and friends who I can write a quick post for on Facebook to let them know how I’m doing. The lord convicted me of that so IM BACK. I was reminded of the countless number of blogs I read before the race. The Holy Spirit reminded me how my words can go beyond my family, beyond my friends, and even beyond past, current or future racers and end up in the right hands at the right time. So here we go with my blog updates.
Macedonia Update:
I had an absolutely amazing month in Macedonia. Team third worked with a church that served men who were recovering and still using drugs and alcohol. We served this church by passing out tracks, speaking in churches, manual labor, and so much more. A lot of our “ministry” was spending time with the guys and loving on them with strong community. We were very much like family and to some the only family they had. Macedonian people are very kindhearted and have a very community oriented culture. This was one of my best months; I would go back in a heartbeat just to serve with this church again. The church is meeting in a small apartment style building and they are hoping to expand soon to a larger location where they can also house the men they are working to help get off the streets. This pastor and the ministers in the church are such amazing people and made me feel so at home while in their country.
Zambia Update:
SO MUCH CHANGE THIS MONTH
-All squad month
-New finance for my team
-Team changes (Team Boom)
Zambia was also one of my favorite months. Even with all the change it was a good way to start off a new month with the squad and a new team. Zambia was such a good time. God showed me my lack of dissaplan so I began to wake up at 5:30 every morning to read my word. This is a habit I picked up there and still implement now and pray will continue back at home. We were able to work with students from the surrounding area teaching them personal and professional development courses. Week one we thought finances and budgeting, the second week we thought leadership skills, and the last week we did a dance class. That was the most fun I’ve had in a long time. The students loved me and I loved them so much that it hurt when we had to leave. Our host was an amazing woman and she served us very well. The people I met in Zambia like Auntie Rose and Auntie Flo will be tattooed on my heart forever. I feel so privilaged to have met them and I would also love to visit again one day. God is doing a great thing on the MMM campus in Zambia.
South Africa Update:
South Africa is a beautiful country but I was not expecting the spiritual challenges that I have been dealing with (I will do another blog going into details). We have been living at Care Village where we are very taken care of. The children who live here are so beautiful and just want your love and attention. As I sit here typing I’m being stared at by two beautiful little girls named Maria (10 years old) and Lesedi (9 years old). We have done various ministries such as working with recovering drug abusers, feeding hundreds of children in a village, and visiting schools in the city. We have also been fortunate enough to visit Kruger National Park and see 4 out of the BIG FIVE. (Elephant, Rhino, Lion, Leopard, and Buffalo). We still have one week left so I’m expecting more amazing stories and experiences from South Africa. As excited, as I am to experience our next location I know God has something in store for me here. So I will continue to grow and learn and we shall see what comes of the remainder of this month.
