The biggest lesson God taught me this month was focused on community, and how much you really need it. I didn’t volunteer this month to be this close with the girls I’m living with… I was volun-TOLD. The first day that we went to start ministry a literal monsoon took that away from us. So instead of being outside and serving others, we spent the afternoon inside being in an intentional conversation with my team. Something that day one should of really been uncomfortable for us, became a moment that we couldn’t refuse. I think that day we became a real team. We got into conversations that thought us a lot about each other, they bonded us to one another, and allowed to sit win vulnerability with each other. The rain finally ceased and we were able to play in the mud and other fun activities such as goat ranglin’.
Since our team was so bonded that day, when we finally took off for ministry we were prepared. Well, not for the heat but for the ministry we were set. Our ministry this month consisted of us walking to different zones, or neighborhoods, that our host helps. Tiene serves people in his neighborhood that are “on the program” as they call it. These are individuals that are affected by HIV/ AIDS. We visit them at their homes and pray over them and any thing they could need prayer for. Along with that, TIene delivers food to these homes and sometimes even builds the homes they are living in. The joy that these people feel because of Tiene and the prayers is amazing. It is truly an honor to hear their stories and to get to spend just a few moments with them.
God prepared our team that rainy day to face people that we might not be ready to see. He prepared our hearts to work as a unit and to love each other so that then we could love on the people in the community. Guija is a strong community run by strong women. They are a prime example of a good community because they take care of each other, invite us into their homes, and give us any food they have to bless us. I feel affected by this community and will not forget how great they are. The change from the United States to here is really nothing I can fully describe. As i write this blog I am the most sweaty and uncomfortable i have been in a long time. Flies are currently swarming my body and I probably smell truly bad. The heat is at 107 degrees today and it will only be worse tomorrow. I couldn’t get through all the bad if it weren’t for the good of the people of Guija or my teammates that have been forever bonded to me. For month one of ministry I am exhausted and gross, but filled with joy by the countless blessings I’ve received from my Father.
I bless the rains down in Africa, because the rains blessed me that day.
Stay Blessed!
