Change….in a big way…more than I realize. Constant change.
A Challenge–which is the doubled edged sword that has attracted me to the race.
Feeling exhausted..I think this will take a lot out of me…physically, spiritually, emotionally, relationally.
Learning, growing and maturing in so many areas…which I don’t think will be pain-free.
Crying a lot…
Exhillerating experience. suprises. unexpected. awe and wonder. dissappointment. grieving. hearing from God. battling fear. choosing to believe. miracles. healing. passion. excitement. led by the Spirit.
Bringing out the best and worst in me. And others.
Community- learning to love one another as Christ loves us. Right now I’m so excited about my team Azariah- we just seem to “fit” for lack of a better word. But I have no doubt we’ll have our share of conflict… the issue is how we will deal with conflict- that will either strengthen or weaken us. deal with it and move on…or let it linger and drive us crazy?
prayer…praying a lot
seeing people all over the world that are turning to Jesus- they will look and act so different from one another, but be united forever by our common bond- Jesus
encouraging local Christians and missionaries
living like I’m poor. its gonna be weird having so few clothes. and just things in general…hard to really conceptualize at this point
missing favorite foods like lasagne, or the comfy couch I’m sitting on, my bed, a warm shower every day, indoor toilets, expectation of efficency we have in the US. I will miss my status as a woman in the Western world…most women aren’t this blessed…with rights, a sense of self-sufficency and independence. missing my car. and doing anything alone.
I’m looking forward to learning about different cultures!!! I love learning about different kinds of people…I think I could spend a whole week in every country just watching people…and be comparing ..how different they are from the last place I was. Really want to meet gypsies. I’m also really interested to the the genetic variations we’ll run into…its amazing how different people look…all over the world…so I’m expecting to meet some pretty cool looking people…with dark skin and light eyes, red and yellow, black and white.. God is so creative.
The insanity of 34 of us traveling through international airports…ha ha…and the weird things we’ll do to entertain ourselves while waiting.
Learning from others. Both teammates and locals. Speaking life and truth over those around me.
Warm weather!!! Praise the Lord for a warm race route!
100s of mosquito bites…I have yet to find misquitos that don’t like me (even with repellant). Sunburn and lots of freckles on the face.
sweating like a man.
feeling frustrated by lack of verbal communication. And frustated with miscommunication…even in English.
importance of showing love through touch…smiles, hugs and kisses….and greeting with a kiss on the cheek in Latin America…hopefully other places too. ITs just so much closer.
learning to be patient and wait on the Lord.
Christmas in Southern Africa…so looking forward to this!! You don’t understand…my last African Christmas was in 1995. Hope we can find some Christmas crackers. and raid a grocery store.
Missing family and dear friends like crazy at times. especially on birthdays and holidays…but I”m also glad to know that I’ll be with my teammates who will be in that same boat….
interesting foods….hopefully some really good fruits….and sweets… and bread…and meat….and tea
trying odd foods…and hoping my stomach agrees
getting sick sooner or later
being shocked and broken over what I’ll see in the next year
bringing hope
being keenly aware of God’s love and goodness
God using me in ways I have yet to imagine…empowering me to be his hands and feet.
hearing from God.
feeling dissppointed because these and other expectations won’t be met the way I want them to.
