I just want to brag on God for a minute. His endless provision has been so encouraging. I’m going to be honest, I was scared to death when I first started the World Race. I was used to routine. I was used to having a place to rest my head every night. I was used to having food in front of me whenever I wanted it. I never had to sacrifice for anything. My life was comfortable and I liked it that way.
That’s when God came in and messed up my life. Everything I knew was pushed aside and I had to start relying on Him for everything. I joined the Fusion route because there was a focus on pursuing Christ every day and resting in Him for daily bread. I desired Him more. I wanted to experience Him in a new light. My prayers were answered and I cannot tell you enough how much God has provided these past few months. At times it can be scary, but He always comes through in a big way.
Because our training camp was in Uganda and we had mostly everything pre-planned, we didn’t really get to experience His provision until we arrived in Rwanda. This is when God started changing me. He kept reminding me to come to Him every day, to pray into my day and ask for opportunities to share His love.
Before we arrived in Rwanda, we were praying for the next best step. My teammate, Liz, knew a couple in Kigali (Rachel & Chase Carroll.) After praying about it, we felt like that was where God was calling us to go. We knew we only had a few days because they had family coming in, so our time at the Carrolls was limited. They were still so kind to welcome us into their home knowing they would have company in just a few short days. The first day we arrived, the couple got robbed and lost everything valuable to them. It was heart breaking, but I believe God allowed us to be there during this time of hardship to comfort them and just be there for support. We had the opportunity to invest into their lives, and they did the same for us. They showed us so much love and hospitality even through their trial. Before we left, Rachel connected us with two incredible organizations. One was Best Family Rwanda and the other was Hope on a Thousand Hills. We partnered with both organizations during our time in Rwanda.
After the robbery, a good friend of the Carrolls came over to offer help and support. Her name was Jill Gilly. Out of this tragedy, a new friendship flourished with Jill, her husband Sean, and their three children. Because of their generosity, we were able to stay with them for two weeks. They opened their home to six strangers and we soon became good friends. We poured into each other’s lives and we are all changed for the better because of it.
While in Rwanda, we briefly met a guy from the organization we were working with (Hope on a Thousand Hills). Once again, as I thought nothing of this introduction, God used this man to show us His provision. We ran into Him at a coffee shop and started talking. We explained how we were headed to Ethiopia next and he said he knew a family and would reach out to them. Their names were Andrea and Jeremy Ireland; another couple that God placed in our lives at the perfect time. Because of that conversation in the coffee shop, we had a place to stay in Ethiopia.
After a few days in Addis Ababa, we took a ten hour bus ride up North to Bahir Dar to the Ireland’s home. They have three adopted children and one street boy that they took in. Andrea works with sex trafficking victims and Jeremy works with college students. We had the opportunity to serve alongside them during our time in Bahir Dar. They poured into our lives and getting to know the family was such a blessing.
I am still amazed at the kindness and generosity these families have shown our team. Even though our time at each place was limited, they still treated us like family. They have shown us Christ’s love and it has inspired me to pursue that same love and compassion. God is showing me that the race isn’t just about us serving others, but others pouring into our lives as well. God has used our hosts to exude His love for us and I am forever thankful for the new friendships that have blossomed in Africa.
God’s provision through housing is just a small glimpse at how He continues to reveal himself to us. I don’t have enough time and I know you don’t want to read a novel, but God has provided every day since coming on the Race. From meeting random people that lead us to hostels and guest houses within our budget ($5 per person a day!), to getting free meals from strangers, God has used others to show us His love.
Every day is a new adventure. Every day we get to show the love of Christ to someone new. Every day He has provided for our needs. The kingdom of God is raining down and radiating light across the nations, and I’m thankful for this opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus. I’m encouraged at the kindness of people around the world and filled with hope as we continue to see Christ in everything we do.
