This is the first year that I will not have spent both Thanksgiving and Christmas at home with my family. It is a strange feeling to know that while I am pulling weeds in South Africa or playing games with children in Swaziland my family is in America preparing for the Holidays. Life keeps going whether I am there or not.
At the time I was eating Thanksgiving dinner with my squad, my family was just getting up to start their Thanksgiving day.
While I was playing with children in Swaziland, they were picking out and decorating the Christmas tree.
During the time that I was teaching a Bible study, they may have been in the mountains playing in the snow.
It's 80F in Swaziland and South Africa, but at home they're wearing Christmas sweaters, it's chilly outside.
While I am taking part in decorating, cooking, and celebrating with my squad, they are at home doing the same.
In a way we are celebrating together, but on opposite sides of the globe.
The couple days before Thanksgiving I was homesick. I have never realized how many holiday traditions my family had, until I was not there to take part in them.
I was missing my family. I was missing all the things we do together at this time of year.
But, it was during the time that I was struggling with this that God decided to speak to my heart. And to give me a peace about the situation.
A couple nights before Thanksgiving my squad had a night of worship. I was sitting in my chair talking to God about everything that was on my mind, missing home, ministry, and also praising him for all that was happening in my life. While I was doing this we began to sing " Set a Fire."
The Lyrics say:
"There's no place I'd rather be. No place I'd rather be. There's no place I'd rather be, than here in your love. Here in your love.
So set a fire down in my soul that I can't contain, that I can't control. I want more of you, God. I want more of you, God. "
As I continued to sing these lyrics over and over again, they became real to me. God was affirming in my heart that there is no place I'd rather be than right in the middle of His will for me, even home for the holidays. Where He has placed me for this time is perfect, even in those moments I cannot see it.
So this Holiday season there's no place I'd rather be.
(But let's be real…I still miss my family)
I am $800 away from being fully funded! If you would like to help me reach this goal I would be so thankful. I love each of you and am so grateful for your support and prayers!
– Lena
