the view over the front of the speed boat–that view proclaims a loving Creator to me
Last month one of my adventure days (It was epic!) was taking 3 teammates to visit my good friends that I hadn’t seen in 5 years. After we returned my friend asked if I would write up a short piece to add to her newsletter. This is what came about.
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It was good for my soul.
5 years ago I spent 6 months with the Green family as their teacher. Those 6 months led me into a deeper knowledge of myself, God, and ministry. It was the first home I ever made.
Last month I was able to return and spend a few days with them. It was good for my soul. Let me tell you the reason why.
But first let me tell you all the why nots. It wasn’t the great, familiar food. It wasn’t the first house that I lived in as an adult. It wasn’t the city I once called home. It wasn’t making new friends in old places. It wasn’t even seeing old friends.
It was good for my soul because I saw and experienced the faithfulness of the Lover of my soul.
I saw His faithfulness in the work continuing on in the midst of myriad obstacles. I experienced it in new harvesters coming to work and faithful harvesters remaining until the work is done. I understood His faithfulness in watching two separate pieces of my life come together. I became intimately aware of His faithful care when He orchestrated funding, tickets, available time, and traveling companions for me to come back home.
As I fell asleep in my bedroom from 5 years ago surrounded by my current team and my previous student, I was amazed that I had finally made it. I almost couldn’t believe it. I marveled at His work and praised Him.
He spoke to my overwhelmed heart. “Your family is My family. Rejoice in that! My family will always come back together. Now go invite others to join Our family. Show them all the joy of a family reunion.”
My weekend visit reminded me once again who I am, Who I belong to, and what He has called me to do. So know you are welcome in His family. I’ll be full of joy to see you at the reunion.
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We visited some villages, road a speed boat for an hour down the river, shopped for traditional cloth, played games, and just enjoyed each other’s company. It was a long, refreshing, love-filled weekend.
Now some photos:
photo with my friends, teammates, and some village elders we met–photos with random people are a normal part of my life now
my teammates, my friend, and I waiting for the speed boat ride to begin
our enthusiastic audience in one of the villages we visited–this happens a lot on the Race
my teammates and I with the cloth sellers–they were beautiful, kind people
