I can’t believe my time in West Africa has come to a close and that I am now in Thailand! The switch from West Africa to Thailand has definitely been a bit of a culture shock, but it’s been so good. So, these past three months I have learned many lessons.
1. Gratitude will get you so far in life. True appreciation for something or someone will transcend every language barrier. There is something about a look in your eye, and a sincerity of tone that can make anyone feel appreciated no matter what language they speak. You can never be too thankful.
2. Getting in the Word of God will flipping change your life. I’m not gonna lie my bible had sat on a dusty shelf for a year before I left for the race. My dad would always ask me if I was reading my bible and I would try and change the subject. However, this year I made it a goal that i would read my bible and be consistent, and God is showing me so many things through His WORD. Getting in my bible has raised a lot of questions that my sweet teammates have helped answer. The bible has also helped me to see myself through God’s eyes.
3. Having a community of godly women (or people) in your life is crucial for your personal growth. Having close friends that have pushed me to be a woman of God and integrity has really helped me to grow into who I’ve always been, but was just unaware of.
4. You can make anyone laugh if you are silly enough. Being free and fun and trying every crazy dance while looking like a fool will always connect you to people. There were so many language barriers these past three months. However, jumping in and trying to make people laugh always brought us together. So, try more things and don’t be afraid to look goofy! It’s more fun laughing than standing around anyways.
5. God really really really loves his children all over the world. To see how present and evident God is and was these past three months really showed me how loving God is. He is not American, He is not white. He is a God of every nationality, every color, every language, every race, every gender. God is rich in love.
I still have a lot of growing to do and I hope i’ll be growing for the rest of my life. But these are just some things i’ve learned these past three months.
Liv
