Wow.
I can’t believe three months have passed since leaving for the race. These past three months have dragged slowly and yet raced by at the same time. After coming back together with iSquad and sharing about my time in Africa I realized how much I have changed. Here’s a brief recap.
Month One: Zimbabwe
This month I was thrown into a very spirit filled environment. There was no time for me to be afraid or uncomfortable. These people needed healing, peace, joy, and Jesus and I was sent to share that with them. Month one I was able to reclaim parts of my identity that satan had taken and distorted. I also was introduced to feedback, community in its fullness, and Africa and I loved it all.
Month Two: South Africa
This month was very difficult but also very good. I encountered real conflict for the first time. I learned a lot about conflict and how essential conflict is for growth within community. Our fear of conflict had caused me to cheapen my response to the offense, which in turns cheapens my grace. I want to fully feel the offence against me so that my choice to extend grace is also expressed in its fullness. God also showed me that my hunger for God is a beautiful and rare gift FROM God. I actually found a quote today at the airport that captures this idea well. “The truth isn’t always beauty but the hunger for it is”.
Month Three: Swaziland
Whoa this month was hard! This month I had my first encounter with a squatty potty and had an endless gift of mosquito bites. I also experienced the harder side of community. Apparently my love for people has a two month limit and it ran dry this month while sleeping in tents and showering out of a bucket. It was a month of continually dying to myself so that I could continue to press into things of heaven….more grace and more love. I wish I could tell you that this took place elegantly but it was pretty begrudgingly and with a pretty regular stream of cuss words in my head. It was really hard. Like all hard things in life when you choose to let God use them, He does. I had a really big break through with my team and I am very nervous and excited about how God will work on in me the next few months. I also love my team more and more everyday. I feel so so so blessed to have them on this journey with me.
Month Four: China
I am sitting in a Kenya airport for a layover before a 12 hour flight to Hong Kong. I am unsure of where I am going or what I am doing or who will be on my team so I guess you could say I’m freaking out or I would be freaking out if I wasn’t completely exhausted. Pray that I can continue to choose in no matter what conditions God places me this next month. Also pray that I meet my deadline of $11,000!!! Yikes!
P.S. MERRY CHRISTMAS! Until next time.
