Botswana has been absolutely crazy to say the least. The time started out with us in Gaborone the capital city. We stayed in a house with AC, and WiFi it was so nice almost too nice often we called the accessories of the house a comfort but I believe God revealed to me that it all was a distraction not comfort. Our whole life we will have many distraction that might try to keep us from God we had to try to learn how to overcome such a distraction. During our opportunity to adapt. we were robbed in the night everyone was safe but the thief stole three laptops a phone and my bag filled with my passport, credit cards, all my important documents, my iPad, camera, Bible, journal, and many other little things. I was upset to say the least but never would I let a bad situation keep me from praising God with a positive attitude for the future through the situation we quickly moved to Kumakwane a village with another Gap Year team. We tried to settle in not yet knowing if we would be going back to Gaborone or not. Finally a week went by filled with visits to the police station, looking for WiFi, praying and listening to God as he showed us how to act and feel. God revealed that defeat is a choice. God reminded min in 1 Kings 18 and 19 how Elijah with a lot of Gods help defeated 800 false profits yet even after such a great feat he ran in fear when threatened by jezebel. Elijah let his fear control him. Still however tensions were high amongst the team as it was a very uncomfortable situation. At the end of the week I was beyond ready to hear what the next step for our team would be I desired to move back to Gabs and do ministry at the local park but God had a better plan it was decided that we would stay in kumakwane but we could bus into Gabs when ever we would like. At first I was a little upset because I knew I wanted to be back with the relationships I made in Gabs (me and the soccer players called ourselves mathatas which means trouble makers)and bussing would be a pain but we trusted the lord over my own thoughts. Now was the time to move on from what I wanted and start to do God’s work. One day I finally had gotten some good news they had found my iPad I was so excited and me and Zack Thayer went to the police station as we were sitting there waiting the detective sat a man next to us his name Wayne there was something very uncomfortable about the situation but shortly the detective told me that this was the man who had stolen from my team but what happened after between Zack, wambe and I was amazing but I want to write a full blog about this to capture how humbling it was so to read this story so go read my blog titled “the thief or the carpenter?” But basically the whole situation was a win for Jesus. After this we went back to Kumakwane and we were just getting settled in and starting ministry. when one day I attempted a back flip it was a very good attempt followed by two other successful attempts if I do say so my self but no matter how good of a attempt it was it was unsuccessful and I ended up fracturing my leg. At this point I was getting very frustrated I felt like I was loosing left and right and I had so much to do apply for new passport make claims for my insurance had to worry about what I would do for ministry. It all was too much I just wanted to quit. God was working through me first one aspect that keeps me optimistically praising god is romans 5: 3-5 “we can rejoice, too,when we run into problems and trials for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with love” God has blessed me with a chance to endure and grow so much how blessed am I for this. A second reason is from romans 8:17 “And since was are his children, we are Heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share in his suffering.” No way am I near Jesus’s sufferings but it’s just humbling to know that I suffer for Christ helping me receive his glory. Through suffering I am able to truly learn. Finally Roman 8:28 “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for. ” I actually got to see God making everything work for one good cause I could feel the good conquering all! What I will be doing know that I have a broken leg and it’s hard for me to get around I will be deep in my bible praying listening and learning from God I will also be taking every chance I get to support my team in ministry and we are finding tons of new ways for me to go out and do ministry I am praising God trough this for so much is to be learned through this!
