He knows our limits, but if we allow, He will push them. “A calm sea never made a skilled sailor.” Discomfort brings growth. But, God knows our limits.
At training camp, we were put into teams. I was asked to be a team leader and would be leading six other adults around the world. We instantly became attached. Our team dynamic was “perfect” and we began to make plans for how ministry and life on the Race would look like.
Then, the week before launch two of our team members were unable to come on the trip due to financial concerns. As a team, we understand that it was the Lord’s will for them to go to a different route at a different team, but it was heart-breaking. It was a major bummer for the team. We felt like we were leaving a part of us behind.
At launch, our team began to process what it would look like going out on the field now. We had to have a lot of tough talks right off the bat. Launching as a team “two-down” was rough. I wasn’t sure what ministry or life would look like and was anxious and nervous to get out on the field to find out. I felt like our team had already been stretched and pushed outside our comfort zone before even leaving the States.
Then, we traveled for two days to Uganda. The first night was really hard. I felt like “what did I get myself into?” I was scared, worn out and ready to go home. The next day was a long day. We went around Kampala and picked up essentials before heading out to the village where we would stay. It was a long, uncomfortable ride out to the village and with every passing mile, my desire to be back home grew.
Within minutes of arriving at the ministry house, the yard was full of children. They all wanted to see the “muzungus” (“white people” in the local dialect). The burden on my heart began to lift as I played with the children. But, still that night, I was feeling the discomfort more than ever in my life.
I didn’t want to be here. I’m not cut out for the World Race. It was day one in Africa… how could I possibly make it 11 months? I want to go home. I miss my bed, my food, my family and friends, and my first-world amenities (you don’t know how much you value running water, a toilet, and a shower until you don’t have one).Those were the thoughts running through my head.
Luke 12:6-7 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God? Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
But then, over the coming days, I began to sit in the discomfort and allow the Lord to comfort me. He promises His comfort again and again in the Bible, but this was a time in my life when I truly need it. I also began to get to know our ministry host and his team better. As I did, I was reminded why we are here and they began to feel more like family than strangers. This made the house feel more like a home.
As I began to settle in, I realized how incredibly blessed we were as a team. We have an incredible man of God as our ministry host. This country is beautiful. I see God in the people here. We are so welcomed. I am overwhelmed by God’s grace right now.
