Saying goodbye to Estonia wasn’t easy. Each month on the race is very different, but this last month was one of my favorites. Not because we were in Europe, or because we were surrounded by all the comforts of home. It was my favorite because despite all of those things we as a team choose Jesus. And oh did He show up.
We arrived to Tallinn, Estonia with no place to stay, but God provided. The first night we stayed at a hostel that was way over our very small budget, the next night we slept in a new friend of ours backyard, and on the third day God gave us not one, but THREE options for the month (all within our budget)! We chose to stay at a hostel right near the center of town. Our hostel became a big part of our ministry as we got to share with so many people what we are doing, as well as become good friends with a lot of the staff.
Our month flew by as it felt so much like normal life. On our second day in Tallinn we happened upon a coffee shop called The Living Room. During the week they serve some awesome coffee, and delicious food then on the weekends they function as a church. Our first weekend there one of the girls (who at that point I hadn’t even met) prophesied over me. She said that I am a mother, that I have the gift of faith, and that I make complicated things simple.
Our new friends and church filled us up from the inside out. They inspired us to walk in greater faith, and showed us what a true Body of Christ looks like. It is everything I dream of my life looking like when I return home.
We had the privilege to go out with them a few days to the streets of Tallinn to share the love of Jesus. On our first Saturday out we saw a very lost man come to God! (read the story here) I learned to overcome my fear of talking to strangers so much so that by the end of the month I enjoyed making new friends and telling random strangers that they are loved.
Our team Daughters of Zion grew so much. We bonded like never before as we found an indescribable joy. Most every night we would stay up till midnight laughing, goofing around, and talking about Jesus. It was the first time in a long time that I felt like I could be completely myself. I am so thankful that Jesus gave me that team to learn how to walk boldly and with confidence.
The month ended with our entire squad overtaking the city as we had our month 7 debrief, the last debrief before our final debrief. God poured into our squad like crazy over those few days. It was so refreshing and set me up for the season I am in now.
I wouldn’t have changed anything about Estonia. It is amazing what God will do when you let go of your expectations and let Him do what He does best! What are you holding onto that is stopping God from doing his full work in your life?
