1. Have no expectations: I came on the World Race with no expectations, but I have always had the stereotypes of what India was like in mind. When you’re in India keep in mind that the timing you’re used to in the states is not the same in India. For example, we sat and waited for our ministry host every single day because he told us we were leaving at 5:30 and we usually ended up leaving around 6. But somehow everyone that we were going to speak to was there and ready when we got there. We surely learned patience, and that the Lord is in the waiting. We would always go to ministry and pray for so many people for healing, but we would never see an immediate result. However, today (our last day) our ministry host told us that he receive several phone calls from people we prayed for that they had been healed of their pain. Having no expectations gave me the ability to trust the Lord so much deeper and give up control because in this case I didn’t really have any to begin with.
2.Simplicity is sweet: We have lived so simply for the past month and it has been so wonderful to not have any wifi, no air conditioner, to take bucket showers, wash clothes in a bucket, spend time outside on the roof while reading the Bible, pump water from a well, and even to use a squatty potty. In 1Peter 5:8 it says, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” I have had so much time to rest with Jesus, and just be so present to everything that He is doing in this country. I have never lived so simply because of how much we have right in front of us in the U.S. The orphan boys that live where we have been staying play outside after they get home from school. They don’t have any electronic device that coops them up inside. They have such a joy in their hearts to serve people and to serve Jesus. On our last night in the village we were able to wash each family members feet, which was the purest and simplest way for us to serve them and show them the Love of Christ.
3. Cellphones are overrated: We traveled to Hampi, which is this really awesome place that has ancient ruins and temples. While there my phone screen stopped working so I wasn’t able to use my phone whatsoever, but that allowed me to be even more present and take in everything as opposed to taking pictures of everything. I was upset when it first happened and I realized I wouldn’t be able to fix it, but I believe it was just another way the Lord was reminding me that I am not in control. While being in India I have realized that taking pictures is a big part of their culture. In Proverbs 3:5-6 it says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to I’m, and he will make your paths straight.” I am constantly being reminded by the Lord that I am not in control of anything and that His ways are so much higher than mine will ever be.
Update: I got my phone fixed and it was an adventure in itself. We are traveling to Nepal on Tuesday!
