After 3 days of training, 3 flights, an overnight airport stay, 3 different hostel stays, multiple van rides, a border crossing and 2 7-hour bus rides, we’ve finally arrived at our ministry location in Livingstone, Zambia. We were greeted at the bus station by our contact Sanderson and I could have wept with joy at the very sight of him.
We’ve spent some time settling into our house, arranging our things and doing our first load of hand-washed laundry and I can honestly say that every second of that has been incredible. It’s almost given me euphoric recall about everything that came before 3pm today. When AIM staff says to have no expectations, they aren’t kidding. I thought I was doing a decent job and that whole concept until the 5 days of travel in monsoon season in Africa.
This process has been challenging to me so far. It’s hard to remember that this is all part of the World Race. The uncomfortable sleeping and damp everything and unknown schedule. The value is not just in “official” ministry time. Every second counts as part of my year and serves to stretch and grow me for the good. It helps me remember that the world does not revolve around me. It forces me to confront the truth that there are millions of people in the world who are at this very second dirty, hungry, damp and uncomfortable and that it’s not unusual. It allows me to continue to work out my identity.
My value on this trip and in life is not just based on what is accomplished. My worth lies in Christ alone. I have innate value because I was created by our creator and, like the feelings of dampness and discomfort, I am not alone in that. Whether you believe it or are still coming to terms with it, you have unimaginable value as a human being that has been formed by God. I hope that you will take a step toward realizing that today.
Tomorrow, we will begin our ministry and I’m SUPER pumped about that! So far, my team has avoided sickness so please pray that we will continue to be healthy in mind, body and spirit and that we would serve the people of Livingstone wholeheartedly.
P.S. Go listen to “Give Me Your Heart” by Chris and Bethany Solyntjes. It’s amazing and truly says all that I could hope to say in this blog.
