As you know from this blog post that I made a little over a week ago, the first month of the World Race was not all flowers and rainbows. It was – and still is, at times – challenging, exhausting, and frustrating. There have been numerous days where I have cried my eyes out, and there have been more times than I would like to admit that I have wanted nothing more than to go home. I am already growing so much on this trip, and while the end result will be great, the process of growing is very painful.
Because of how challenging this trip has been, I am slowly being reminded of the importance of the ability be grateful to God for everything – including things that seem so small.
I have been able to stand in awe of His creation while standing on the edge of what used to be a volcano, and while standing at the base of a huge waterfall. I have seen His incredible power in moments like the night when my friend and I had a difficult decision to make, and we both heard God speak the word “Go” to us at the exact same time. I have seen the work that He is already doing in my teammate’s hearts when we have had conversations where I see the awesome side of them that is behind all of the walls and fronts that humans so often put up.
While these obviously amazing things are so important to look at, as I stated above, I have also learned to see God working in the little things that I experience. I see Him in the joy that Jordan and I felt when we found a little store that was half a frozen yogurt shop and half a bakery. I see Him in the satisfaction I felt when I ate 4 apples and a bunch of carrots (over the span of about an hour) after weeks of eating mostly croissants and Oreos. I see Him in the consideration of one of my ministry hosts who bought a Coffee Crisp for me to give me a little taste of Canada. I see Him in the beauty that surrounds me as I currently sit in an adorable coffee shop in the middle of Baños, looking out the window at beautiful flowers, trees, and mountains.
“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever!” ~Psalm 107:1
I have become increasingly aware of how it is extremely important to be thankful to God for all things that I am presented with and given – even when it seems like the bad is outweighing the good. I need to constantly remember that God is good, He loves me more than I could ever imagine, and He wants nothing more than to do good to and for me. I have learned that, even when it is so very hard – and trust me, it is hard more often than not – I need to choose joy in all situations and see how God can work through them. I simply need to focus on constantly delighting myself in Him, and trust that He will take care of the rest.
As I conclude this, I would like to leave you all with one of my favourite verses – one that I love so much that it is tattooed on my wrist. Each time I look at it, I remember that God desires what is best for me, and even when I don’t know exactly what my heart’s desires truly are, when I delight myself in Him, He will give them to me.
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” ~ Psalm 37:4
Even though I am currently on my mission trip, in order to stay on the field, I need more donations! I am still $3,300 USD away from being fully funded, so if you are able, please consider donating!! I appreciate all support, both through donations and prayer, that I have received so far! You guys rock 
