I always knew Rihanna was prophetic *joke*.
The world is a big place and there’s a lack of hope in it. There does exist plenty of depression, abuse, poverty, starvation, and disease.
But, through this crazy journey I’ve been on, God has led me to discover a whole lot of love too.
He has led me to experience His love for us as I witness the beauty He created as a reflection of Himself on earth. I’ve gotten to see some of the most breathtaking views in existence, and in every single one God’s love is depicted in a new way.
People live in these places and become numb to the beauty God has placed right in front of them. They look at their surroundings as normal, and even a nuisance.
We go to those same surroundings – the Himalayas, the beaches of the Indian Ocean, the Andes Mountains, the African plains, etc. – and we are in awe. After 2 weeks the awe starts to numb.
You have to open your eyes and look to find God because, He is there, and promised that if we seek Him, we will find Him.
Sometimes He is right in front of you, but you’ve grown numb.
Even more so than in places, I’ve found His reflection of love in people. I found it in Jeremy, a 13 year old boy who sat with me everyday for hours while I was injured in India. I found it in the eyes of a little girl I gave a teddy bear to on a mountain in Nepal. I found it in my Cambodian friend, Samuel, teaching and tickling the kids at the center for street kids. I found it in Bousanda, a six year old who stole my heart in Swaziland.
Most recently I found God’s love in Buenos Aires.
We entered Argentina uniquely, with no other instructions but to ask the Lord (and stay in budget).
We showed up at Hillsong Church, with all of our belongings. We truly experienced what THE Church should be, as we were welcomed with open arms.
I found God’s love in Pri, who opened her one room apartment to 6 missionaries she never met. I found it in Mary and Jorge, who also welcomed us in, made us empanadas, danced with us and quickly became my Argentine mamí y papí.
I found it in Erica, who made a foreign city a home for us (and gave me shoes for the cold weather). I found it in Janice, my new big sister, who introduced us to delivery ice cream and watched Netflix with us. I found it in all the teenagers in Hillsong Young and Free, the youth group (shout out Mishel).
I found in in Mori, Juani, Mati and Pato who quickly became our family and loved us so well.
I found it in Delfi who inadvertently introduced me to the best mac n cheese outside of the U.S.
God showed up and, SHOCKER, He doesn’t disappoint.
Sometimes this world seems like a pretty hopeless place. I look at Donald vs. Hilary and see abused and trafficked children and I feel overwhelmed by the Devil’s power on the Earth.
But, I have good news: God IS power and He already won.
God is around you. He lives in people. He is evident in the mountains and the sea. He is evident in you and me *call me Dr. Seuss*.
We are His reflection.
If you look, you will find traces of God’s love in every corner of this Earth. In people, in places, in words. I promise. God is everywhere.
As I return to the States in less than 3 months, I don’t want to grow numb. I don’t want to lose the awe of this remarkable life.
As my grandma says, a content heart is a beautiful gift. I want to live in beautiful contentment with the gifts that God has placed around me.
May we never lose our wonder.
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” – Matthew 7:7
Fundraising Update: I am still $700 from being fully funded and urgently need to reach this goal! If you feel called to join me in prayer for that and/or donate, it would be a huge blessing!
