Hello from Indonesia. It is crazy to reflect on all that went into preparing myself for this very moment. A quick update on how I am doing: I am thriving. I can honestly say I have had many thoughts of “this is what I was made for”. I say this hesitantly due to the fact I have yet to have any serious struggles. Our host here are amazing, the people are great, and we have a lot of ’comforts’ of home at this place. I pray that even when struggles do come, I still find myself saying “this is what I was made for”.
There is a phrase I can not stop saying… hint: the title of my blog. “Wow, thanks God”. (Just ask my team how much I say this on a daily basis). God has been blessing me to the extreme. I have often been asking Him what I did to deserve this or telling Him that I do not deserve the things He continues to give me. After arriving to Indonesia and seeing where we would be staying, I said this out loud over and over again. Probably a bit annoyed, Ashley (my squad leader who is also becoming such a dear friend) said “yes you do deserve this, you are an heir to the kingdom”. That hit me pretty hard. I love that God not only speaks to us, but uses Godly community to speak through. Instead of asking Him what I did to deserve this or telling Him I do not deserve these things, I decided to start giving Him praises for what He is choosing to do. This is where I got the phrase, “Wow, thanks God”.
As often as I find myself saying this, my team leader, Amanda (who is all things sweet) suggested me starting a series. Every time I say this phrase, I write down what God is doing that I am so thankful for. In doing so, when I find myself struggling on the race, I can reflect on these times.
Today, I say “Wow, thanks God” for the community you have given me. For this team you have crafted together for me to serve You with. For the people who have and will continue to push me to pursue and grow in You.
