So, if my blog about the Lord using me as a preschool teacher in Swaziland surprised you, you may want to sit down for this one. In South Africa, he has me cooking! Will wonders never cease?! God definitely continues to reveal his sense of humor through my ministry placements.
I have been assigned to work in the kitchen during my time in South Africa, at a VBS for the first week and then at the mission school (more information about the school to come in a future blog) for the remaining 2 weeks. I assist with the cooking, and truth be told I spend more time doing dishes than anything else, but such is to be expected when over 100 children are being fed twice per day. If there is one place that I am even less confident about my skills than in front of a preschool classroom, it would be in the kitchen . . . so it should come as no surprise that that is where the Lord has placed me this month. He is fun like that!
He continues to teach me that it isn’t about my skill to do tasks, but about my willingness do whatever I am asked and to allow Him to work through me. That is really all that any of us are expected to do . . . to do our best and to be willing to serve others, not out of our skill alone, but with the strength and confidence from the Lord.
I have really enjoyed my time in the kitchen, though I wouldn’t have expected it. I feel good about the contribution that I am able to make toward the larger objective and the relationships that I have been blessed to build with the women that I have worked alongside in this role.
It isn’t the most glamorous task . . . and it isn’t hands-on with the kids. I’m not the one inspiring their creativity in art class, encouraging their talent in music class, channeling their enthusiasm in dance class, or refining their skill in soccer club. I’m not the one telling them stories or helping with their subjects. I don’t receive the daily hugs from the kids and I likely won’t be the one whose name they remember once we are gone . . . but I’m okay with that.
I know that I am serving in support of a mission school that I believe in and that my efforts contribute to the feeding program that provides two meals per day to over 100 children. I know that in this role I am helping to provide for a basic need for these children so that they can receive maximum benefit from the other instruction and programs being offered to them. I know that by working in the kitchen I have been able to build relationships with the ladies that I have served alongside and encourage them in the sacrificial way that they serve the kids of this community. Most importantly, I know that I am right where the Lord wants me to be and doing just what He wants me to do . . . and that is the BEST place to be.
