The month started with team Kingdom Katalyst and we were decking the Rwandan halls with boughs of holly! Everything from making snowflakes, a paper Christmas tree and hanging ankle sock stockings, to watching the Grinch, and playing Christmas carols!
On Christmas day we went with our Pastor and his whole family to a place where you find “relaxation, enjoyment and pleasure.” We had the biggest feast with giant fish (and their teeth and eyeballs) and relaxed by the pool. Santa even made a quick appearance!
Ministry was a bit slow at first because of the holiday season. We preached in the evenings at Community Fellowship Church. So during the day it was sweet to relax and spend time with one another but also at times we got a lil antsy and now we can look back and say we wish we were more intentional with our free time.
On Christmas day we had received a phone call telling us that our teammate Jess had lost her mother that morning. Our hearts were crushed. I had met Jess’s mom at training camp when we had an “Ask the Lord” day and He had lead us to visit her mom who was a few hours away. I remember praying over her mom that sunny day in May and knew there was a bigger reason to why we had met her mom. I was reminded of that when I found out I’d be traveling back to the states with Jess.
It didn’t feel real. I felt like I was in the wildest dream ever.
Just hours before I boarded the plane my friend found lice in my hair! YEP. I had to sit on a 40 hour plane ride feeling them burying, scurrying, and running around in my hair. I thought I was on crazy pills.
We finally landed in Atlanta and our first meal was a Chick-fil-A. Now, I’m not the biggest fan of this place… but it tasted like the best chicken sandwich I have ever had! I forgot what a piece of white chicken meat without bones and mystery surprises taste like.
That night I stayed up till 5am getting de-liced. YEP. Praise the Lord for Carin- a professional de-licer and now a new best friend who was on the World Race before. I don’t know what I woulda done without her.. after multiple treatments she calmly said, “yeah.. you defiantly had the worst case I have ever seen.”
Being in America was absolutely surreal.
Although it was a very sad circumstance, it was also a gift from the Lord. I was so thankful to be with Jess and travel with her and spend some time with her in her hometown.
I had a few extra days in America and was able to visit my family! My precious grandma was diagnosed with blood cancer last month and when I was crushed when I found out. I had prayed, “Oh Lord, if I could just have one day with her.” And He answered my prayers! I was able to spend sweet time with my Baba and drink mate, watch wheel of fortune, sing songs with her, and pray over her. Such a gift.
I can’t say this enough. I LOVE my family and am constanly reminded how lucky and blessed I am. I soaked up every minute with them. My 3 year old niece Gracen has captured my heart and I can’t get enough of her! Thankfully I’m still her best friend 🙂 OHhhh she is getting soooo big! I can’t believe it. She can now say the Lord’s prayer and John 3:16. Love her to pieces. Levi is now running around! Which is insane. I almost couldn’t recognize him… the SWeeeetest, smiley, happy LIL boy I know! Love him.
The Lord blessed my time with my family. It truly was so sweet. I got to eat a home cooked meal, dance around while my dad play the accordion, drink coffee with the fam in my pjs, eat sushi with my mom, run in the park with my dad and sister, and sleep in my own bed!
Thank you Jesus. He knew exactly what I needed.
It was crazy to think I spent Christmas in Rwanda and then rang in the New Year in Charlotte, North Carolina!
So fun!
It was the perfect lil boost. Although I was sad to say goodbye to my family- I was ready to get back on the field.
I'm ready to give it my ALL because I refuse to go through the motions.
Excited to see what the next 5 months have to hold for me.
Ready to see God move in more powerful ways.
I truly believe the next 5 months will be even better than the last 5 months.
God has soooo much more! I feel it, I believe it!
