Preface: This is a letter to my future self that I wrote out in the middle of nowhere Moldova. It will always be a reminder to me of what it means to be Jesus on earth and serve humbly. It will always be a reminder of what pure joy is and I pray to read this anytime I need a reality check in the humble department.
My Future Self,
Remember coming to that one village in the middle of Moldova. Remember driving on that dusty dirt road for an hour out to a small village. Remember getting there and hating it. If you forgot, let me remind you the reasons why you didn’t like it and then I will remind you of your reality once you got over yourself and realized this life is not about you. The very things you hated became the very things you loved.
Reasons why you did not like it
1. Zero Running water
2. No where to sleep
3. No communication with the outside world
4. Communication barrier
5. Bucket showers outside
6. Bathroom outside
7. Everything moves so dang slow
But now Jamie, remember the first night what happened… Remember all the old ladies that came all the way to the church to meet you. They walked with their canes a long distance because they heard you were here. Remember when they sang for God and you in the church and how Alexandra walked all the way back to her house and made us food. How she carried it all the way back with her. Remember how at 9:30pm Alexandra showed back up at the church (where we decided to sleep) with hot milk (which she got from her cow) and cookies. Remember how much she served us without even knowing who we were. Remember how hard she worked to make sure we were comfortable. Remember what a reality check in humility that was.
These people have been living like this their whole lives. They do not have the conveniences of America and they invited you in. They gave you everything they had. Day after day they picked their first fruits and the best of all their vegetables for you to eat. They invited you into their homes. They cried when they told you their stories. They were so encouraged that you came to them. You gave up your ‘comforts’ to live like them. Remember when your heart broke for these people.
1. Zero Running Water – this way you had to work everyday for something that is crucial to living, a reminder to pick up your cross daily
2. Nowhere to sleep – pulling out the tent, sleeping with the flys and on the ground allowed you to see the beautiful red moon rising every night and wake up to the warmth of the sun.
3. No communication with outside world – man it is nice to be unplugged for a while. Reminder take time to unplug! Take time off to just get away. Turn off your cell phone and Mac for a day Jamie, you will thank your past self later Jamie. Seek God in the silence and in His creation.
4. Communication Barrier – regardless of what language people speak you can understand peoples hearts still and what emotions they are experiencing. That made you pay attention to them and be okay with just sitting by their side in silence. It is better to be slow to speak and quick to listen.
5. Bucket Shower Outside – every night you showered outside as the sun was setting, it was one of the most beautiful sights you have ever seen with the rolling hills and fields of sunflowers. Remember on day one when you looked out and saw a rainbow that reminded you of God promise and faithfulness.
6. Bathroom Outside – these people have been doing this for years and they are completely content not having a flushing toilet. If a 90 year old woman can do it… so can I.
7. Everything moves slowly – Why rush life? Soak up every moment and make the most of it. Take time to walk through a field instead of run. Take time to sit next to the elderly and listen. Take time to sit and read a book while looking at the sunset. Take time to just be. Take time to seek God’s face and rest in Him.
So remember Jamie, you are “the glass is half-full� kinda person. Take every situation and see the best of it. Remember when you lived in Moldova and were humbled be the servants there. Remember how they gave you their best. Remember to do the same with everyone you met along the way in your life. Remember your year of abandonment when your biggest “want� was a specific meal from home and how you cared less about “stuff.� Remember when all you “needed� was God and how you depended on him for your “daily bread.�
Live life to the full.
Take up the heart of a servant and do everything as if onto God himself.
All my love,
Me
