From having the freedom to go running every morning, the ability to walk around the city and space to move around in our living quarters to total confinement has been a challenge. It was a rough realization I had to quickly come to terms with as we settled into our living space. One bedroom, one small porch with a table and a storage room in the Pastor’s house where his whole family resides as well. Not to mention we aren’t able to leave the gate (which means no running) …we can’t even walk down the street to the tienda (little store). My first thoughts were: I am so restricted, I need to find a way out, I need room to move!
Welcome Home! Walk up the cement path to my home for the month!
However, as I reflect on my situation, I have come to the realization this area of my life I have not completely surrendered to God. My lifestyle back home was full of activity, fitness, exercise and a strict, balanced diet. While all of this is healthy, it turned into something I relied on for confidence and control for my happiness, it became an obsession in my life. God has made me realize while I have given up physical possessions I still need to surrender other aspects of my life like my lifestyle to gain complete dependence on Him. This is the fruit of brokenness; it’s a paradox: “We were made to be free, but we must give up freedom to get there…We must make a counterintuitive transaction: give our lives away to get them back” (Kingdom Journeys, Seth Barnes).
I am learning to embrace the lifestyle here in Honduras. I have to slow my pace and shift my priorities; I have to completely surrender my life to His calling. I am learning to surrender my need to stay active 24/7 to using that energy in a different productive manner with this “still” season of my journey. God is teaching me how to exercise my brain, heart and soul more than ever. I am getting to indulge in books and quality discussions along with fun bonding with my team. Most importantly, I am able to be present in this little town with the niños and be a part of this great family.
Verse I am memorizing to help me in this area of surrender:
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Romans 12:1-2
Fun Fact: It’s coco season here in Honduras! God is still providing me with all the nutrients!
Doesn’t get more fresh than this! Coconut juice freshly hacked off the tree!
Getting all the vitamins and electrolytes from this sterile water!
Photo credits go to Emma 🙂
