My first month overseas has been nothing short of stripping me of my comfort zone. It is beyond challenging but I wouldn’t want it any other way. My first night overseas I was faced alone with a cock roach and since then the critters have only gotten bigger. Through my encounter with these critters I have learned this; in life there is never a stopping point in growth. You will not reach a point in your life where there are not greater things to overcome. I believe we are called to spend our lives growing, changing, transforming and becoming more like Jesus. That life will lead you to live in a state of constant change and growth. I pray God forces me to remain in seasons were I am constantly being stripped of my comfort zone. I have fear of what that will look like because thus far that prayer has lead to a cock roach, large spider, tarantula, and then to a very well fed rat. So yes there is fear to walk in the unknown but I know the other side of being stripped of your comfort is a beautiful thing. It leads your heart to freedom. That freedom and growth leads you to go deeper and deeper into an abundant life with our God. I want to go deeper.
When my team and I traveled to Montecito to perform the ribbon dance and skit we were asked to stay overnight. A very gracious family gave up two of their beds for our team. For some reason God is allowing me to be the first one to encounter every single critter and this night was no different. I opened the bathroom door to a large rat running towards my feet. My reaction, well let’s just say was nothing short of embarrassing. The family rushed back to make sure I was ok, only to find me standing on their bed trying to shake off the fear. They soon saw that my fear was deep so they put a net over the bed and told us the net should prevent the mice from getting into the bed. Needless to say I was incredible grateful for the net but sleep never came for me that night. I spent the night listening to the mice run from wall to wall and then to every cornor of the bed. As I listened to the mice, the loudness of how much I have spoke. I live a life of abundance. I have never gone without. I have beyond what I need, yet I still live a life of wanting more. I am praying that the Lord brings change to my heart. I know I am coming home in 1o months to a warm bed. To a life of plenty but I don’t want to come home the same. Change me Lord. I am not sure what that change is to look like but I want it. Father, empty myself of me and fill me with You!
Here are the critters, in order, that the Lord has allowed me to encounter.(note: the oversized rat didn’t make the photo journal. He was too fast and I was way to scared to snap a photo)
