So, three months is now over, and on Wednesday, we start our next leg of our trip in Europe. I have no idea what to expect, but sitting at debrief, it's a time to reflect on all the things I have learned so far. Let me tell you, there has been a lot, and I'm not sure if I can remember all of them to write, but I will try my best.
Ecuador:
1. I found a passion to read God's word and see what He says about different aspects of our walk with Him is supposed to look like
2. I learned that the Holy Spirit is the best form of evangelism, and trying to force Christianity on someone never works. Always be ready for the promptings of the Spirit to move in any situation
3. That the greatest command is to love God with all your heart, and love your neighbor as yourself, and to love your neighbor as yourself, you have to love yourself and know the life that Christ speaks in to His royal children of the kingdom.
4. I learned that pancakes made with squeaky cheese, corn and chocolate is THE WORST thing I have ever put in my mouth.
5. I learned that Ecuador's country saying is: "if its sketch, its how we do it."
6. I realized for the first time how grateful I am to be an American citizen and all the beauty and blessings we have in the little things we never even think about (like a hot shower, and a real towel!)
7. Team changes can be awesome, and your attitude towards it defines it!!!
8. Community is different
9. There are people born in to situations they will never get out of, like living in a trash dump, because they don't have the freedom to get to where they want like we Americans have.
Peru
1. God works in so many ways
2. I actually have a voice with valuable things to say, and I should have confidence in that.
3. You don't have to speak the same language as someone to become there brother or sister, and love knows no bounds.
4. Actually having a toilet seat is an awesome blessing!
5. Jesus doesn't relent
6. God still works through healings!
7. God has perfect timing, even if it seems like He is procrastinating.
8. Condemnation should never come from a Christian's mouth to an unbeliever, because in their soul, being without Christ, it already speaks condemnation to their soul.
9. Just living by the Spirit does do a lot of work in someone's life.
10. God uses small things like a bracelet to teach huge things.
11. Its tough battling a 90 year old woman to keep the router on when we need the internet at night.
Bolivia
1. Passion is not a fruit of the Spirit. It comes from using the fruit that does come from the Spirit and from obeying God's word.
2. Men play a huge role in life, and I'm just beginning to realize what that means.
3. Little boys have a inappropriate amount of snot, and should carry TP with them everywhere.
4. My daughters are going to be spoiled as crap!
5. Stepping in to my voice and my calling in life
6. Frustrations with people can be resolved easily if you talk to them about it and you are both humble and willing to learn from the situation.
7. Diarrhea can become normal after a while, strangely enough.
8. A team tattoo date is a good bonding moment!
9. French fries DO become old after a while
10. God can change your heart towards any ministry, even if you think you will never like it.
11. God made a time of rest for a reason.
12. People will hit you if you don't get out of the street
13. A group of Christians can dance hard enough to be asked to move to the bottom floor because of a fear of the floor falling through.
14. Hot showers rule!
That is definitely not everything I have learned, but it's a few off the top of my head. Im ready to be moving on to Europe, and am grateful for what I have learned. Im only done with three months, and I have a feeling a lot more learning will come out of this.
God has big things for me and for our squad for the rest of this trip. God has called me up to a team leader, and I am excited about the blessing that is going to be and what He is going to teach me and my team for the rest of the race. Please be in prayer for me and for everything God will do and pray that He guides me to make wise decisions that are for the best of the team.
Without further adieu, here is the new amazing team! A team that brought me to tears, that is going to be strong, not because of me, but because of who these amazing people are, what they bring to the Kingdom and the priceless spot they hold in my heart:
First up, a person I was born to be friends with for life, and am pumped to be reunited with is Melissa Lowell. She shares my love for How I Met Your Mother, Just Friends, and the same sense of humor as me! She brings a servants heart, and is going to change the world with the love she carries with her!
Second, Jenna Kerhli. Jenna's laugh and desire for truth is infectious! She has a smile that will make anyone smile and brings a faithfulness along with her that will make people feel the presence and irresistibility of the Holy Spirit.
Next up, Rikki Lynn Vick. She's a quarter black, and knows her football, but is not related to Michael. This girl's joy and laugh lightens the day and makes the darkness in any place leave. Her worship sends shivers through your bones. Watch out world, for this girl!
Following her is Ginny Allison. She can dance like no ones business, whether during worship or for a random dance party. She has a compassionate soul that reaches out and grabs at anyone who is suffering. When it talks about laying in green pastures, and walking beside still waters, God gave that kind of presence to Ginny.
Awesomely next, is Jessie German. She comes packing a touch that sends shocks through your body of the Holy Spirit. She has a supernatural caring for people, and the grace she shows people reminds you so much of Christ, you will cry because of her willingness to look past your mistakes and love you for who she knows you are.
My dude friend for the rest of this trip is Jessie's husband, Cory. This dude has leadership that is so strong, there will be no fear when he is around. I prayed hard to have him on my team when I found out I was going to be a team leader. There is so much to learn from him when it comes to treating his wife the right way.
Then, last but certainly as cool as everyone else, me.
Ok, so next up is our team name. So, the Lord gave us a lot about turning beauty in to ashes and finding beauty from pain. We had some team names in our heads, but Isaiah 61 pretty much covered everything we wanted to say. It talks about taking peoples ashes and turn it in to beauty, and making them righteous trees of God. I wont type it all out here, but look it up and see what our teams all about. And along with that, we realize this trip is a journey, and it's a long road, so therefore, we named our team I-61, the "I" standing for interstate and Isaiah. We are travelers who have found the beauty, and are going to blow up the world taking it to other people!
Pray for us and thank you for all your support. We head to Europe in two days, and our new team begins our journey of bringing that beauty to people who want to trade their ashes in! Love you all!
