There’s this question that people ask me.
“Do you ever regret having chosen to go on the world race?”
My answer is simple. “It’s about obedience to the call of God, and that never produces regret.” That is a fact and I will not allow feelings to override what is true.
I could make it about myself. And sometimes my feelings take me there where I wonder how or why I ever thought I would want to do this. There’s many things about the world race that I wouldn’t chose for myself. Sure, it’s great to taste and see different cultures, hangout with kids all day and live in simplicity, but there’s also inconveniences that I certainly don’t prefer, language barriers are stressful, and missing family is just downright hard.
But I never want this trip to be about me. So much of our lives we make about ourselves when it’s really all about Jesus and the kingdom of God.
It’s only month 2 (but already month 2!!), and there’s this stark ambivalence of seeing 11 months as far too short, and of wondering if it will ever end.
Argentina has been bittersweet. My poor throat was attacked by the climate change and possibly an allergic reaction to the trees here, according to the doctor. A round of antibiotics later and I’m back in shape.
Ministry this month has been very random, different things every day. We did manual labor, preaching and intercession, youth meetings and kids ministry, evangelism and teaching English etc.
Teaching English for only one day was felt kinda like trying to bake a cake with only eggs. No curriculum was given. Only resources were papers, pencils, and a white board. Basically we had one hour to teach English. We taught intros and family, including key words, pronouns, numbers for age, etc.
While I felt very restricted and limited for lack of preparation and ability to follow up, I realized I was in my element. Stirred within me was all the passion and love for teaching that had been dormant for too long.
The four boys in my circle were super responsive and I connected with them instantly in spite of not speaking the same language.
On Saturday my team and I went to the outskirts of the city in a very poor area and spent the day hanging out with kids. These people practically lived on the land fill. It was heartbreaking and at the same time, very sweet to be able to lavish love on these dear children. Some women there gather on Saturdays to help the kids with schoolwork, play games, and cook a meal for them.
They were not Christians but unlike some places, we were free to present the gospel. We did the “lost sheep” skit and gave a message of the gospel and how greatly they are loved and pursued by Jesus.
We played lots of games and sang songs. We jump roped, chased a pig, held babies. We prayed and laughed and danced. It was a lovely time.
And so I continue on. Seeking the kingdom. I will not offer to the Lord what costs me nothing. So I surrender all. Jesus is enough for me because Jesus is everything.
