One of the days on the race that I was least looking forward to, was my birthday. Odd…many would think that Christmas would have been the hardest day to be away from home. Truth be told, Christmas really wasn’t that hard being away. I mean, I was in 30+ Degree Celsius weather (remember I AM from Canada…where the normal weather is -25 C at that point in the year!), living in bamboo huts and not a snowflake in sight. I was cutting green grass and ministering to the ladies in the local bars-one of my favourite months on the race. Christmas was one of the furthest things from my mind. I was in Thailand and it was only month 6 of the World Race.
3 months later, I found myself in the Philippines, month 9 of the Race and desperately homesick for anything BUT bucket showers, squatty potties, rice, unfamiliar places, bugs/lizards of every sorts, rice, quick dry towels, a new wardrobe, my feather pillow, rice, tuk tuk rides, constantly being stared at because I am white, foreign money, and, did I mention-
Rice?
Birthdays at home, consist of a LOT of family time, food, chocolate and a day to celebrate…well me! An annual highlight of the year for me, are the two times a year that mom and I take off for a ‘girls weekend’ together. Yes, believe it or not, I DO have a girly side. What I wouldn’t do for a weekend away with mom right now. A time to relax, get pedicures and manicures, eat chocolate, watch the latest chick flick, shop, enjoy starbucks and watch a 3D movie together.
Obviously, that did not happen this year.
Instead, I woke up bright and early at 5:30 AM (usual wake up time in the Philippines), and a few hours later, I found myself at a Dunkin Donuts with a teammate, skyping with my parents at home. This in and of itself, was a blessing from God as I was able to have a long conversation with them, on GOOD wifi. Past racers and current racers will understand the value in that! Honestly, the rest of the day was pretty low key, but it definitely had its moments to remember! Watching a local high school basketball game, being surprised by little gifts from teammates throughout the day, and constantly being reminded by Alex and Katelyn that it was, in fact, my birthday through a song they learned in India, added to making it special (Thanks Team Turn the Page!). Our contacts surprised me at supper with a black forest cake and a candle. In their words, “It is your first birthday in the Philippines, which is why there is only one candle!” So I was able to eat my cake! We ended the day with watching a team TV show we are working through, and colouring. Yes I just turned 26 and I still like to colour!
As much as I would have loved to have been home for my special day, God spoke to me in a way I know He wouldn’t have, had I been there. I was reminded through a squad mate (Thanks Tiff), that God has us ALL here for a reason. For a time like now.
Africa IS less than 2 weeks away. 2 weeks until my feet are back on the soil of a place that I call my ‘second home’. 2 weeks to prepare of a battle like no other. For those that have been to Africa before, will know the Spiritual battles that go on there. Every day, the battle is clear and every day, the choice to fight for Jesus alone, is a choice we all have to make.
I realized yesterday in my time with Jesus, that although it may not ‘feel’ like we are ‘doing’ anything here this month…that God is calling me to REST. Not a physical rest, but a Spiritual Rest. He is allowing me this time, to refocus on Him and to Rest in His presence. I’ll be honest, I have lost sight of why I came on this 11 month missions trip. I have allowed satan to distract me with thoughts of home and homesickness. Now, I want to say, that it is a GOOD thing to miss home and the people there…as my life would not be what it is today, without their love and support. Yet even Jesus Himself, didn’t call where He grew up, “home”. I cannot allow myself to get distracted. This race ISN’T over yet. I NEED to keep fighting. I need to continue to allow Jesus to work through me in the lives of others, to steal the souls out of darkness and to bring them into His Glorious Light!
Please join me in this prayer and in this desire to see HIS Kingdom DONE and HIS will be done here on earth as it is in Heaven.
“I will call upon Your Name, and keep my eyes above the waves. When oceans rise my soul will rest in Your embrace for I am Yours and You are mine”
