[Written Thursday, July 5, 2013]
Tomorrow we leave for our Month 7 in Mozambique!
I only have 4 months and x days left on the Race…that sounds so short! N-Squad has officially made it over “the hump” of Month 5/6. I’ve been told that the Race from here on out is drastically different than the first half. I’m not quite sure what that means for our squad—every Race experience is different—but I am EXCITED!
I’ve really needed this debrief to relax and just spend time with my squadmates. Months 5 and 6 were both really long months (literally) and combined, they wore me down; but they have been two of my favorite months on the Race.
In preparation for this second half, I thought I’d compile a list of what I’ve learned (and re-learned) during the first half of this year. (Not an extensive list, but some key points that will likely affect the rest of the year and the rest of my life)…
- There is nothing I can do to make God love me any less or any more.
- I am gifted in working with children (but I know that I don’t want to work with children as my full-time job).
- I am a leader.
- I am a woman of grace.
- Good communication is extra important when living with people literally 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- I get weather depression when it’s really cold.
- I can ask God for things without being selfish.
- God really is the same God all over the world.
- I can live without showering everyday (though I still will if it is an option)
- I appreciate home so much more.
- I want to pursue full-time ministry/mission work after the Race.
There’s a lot more, but I figure 11 is a good number to stop on.
[Written today]
Quick updates!
- Team Luminous gained a new member: Kirsten! YAY!
- Team Luminous lost a member: Chelsea was moved to Team Sozo. Yes, tears were shed—but we all know that it’s the right thing and that it’s a good fit. Sozo is also formerly known as our old sister team, Reckless Pursuit, so it’s like she’s still in the family. (Not that I don’t consider all of N-Squad family, but Lumi-P has deep roots that go way back to the jungle.)
- Team Luminous will no longer be called Team Luminous—with the team changes comes name changes! We’re still praying and brainstorming what that will be…
- Team ??? and Team Radiant are together this month! SO excited! We’re in Maputo (the capital of Mozambique), working with Pastor Eduardo and his church. We are also living with his family and we are finally tenting! We live in very humble conditions—I love it. Life is so much simpler. It’s easier to seek out God when you don’t have the distractions of a city. I’m thankful that that won’t be one of the challenges for the month. Unfortunately, that means no Wi-Fi, but I will have internet about once a week when we go to the internet café. And needless to say, I’m definitely not showering every day (or even every other day…heh). I’ve been dying to myself in terms of my hygienic needs.
People in South Africa told me that this is “real” Africa. Just yesterday, some of our team went with church members to pray over a woman who is frequently attacked by demons. Her mother was a witchdoctor, and since her passing, this woman often has manifestations of demon attacks. I’m not all together familiar with this type of spiritual warfare, but I am anticipating the opportunity to witness it and take part in the fight sometime this month.
“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor serving the Lord.” (Romans 12:11)
