If there’s one thing to know about me, it’s that I am a thinker. You’ve probably noticed that from my blogs already. I am in constant process, and my mind tends to have two switches: reflecting and processing. That being said, here are some thoughts I’ve been juggling with the past couple days.
I’ve been living in Africa for the past several weeks, and will remain on this continent for the next two and ½ months. I’m almost hitting the half-way mark of the World Race. I’ve seen poverty conditions both in the spiritual and physical realm, from the blatant “in your face” situations in the Dominican Republic and Haiti to the subtle, spiritual emptiness of Europe.
Beginning my trip in the rugged, beautiful mountains of the Dominican Republic was the best way to start off my adventure on the race. I was alone with my team, living simply in tents with no electricity, taking bucket showers, and eating a limited supply of our own food (though our bellies were always filled when visiting a Dominican home). I learned to accept life without the usual comforts of home in the U.S. It was actually quite exhilarating to live on so little. And I remember looking into the faces of my Dominican friends, seeing a sparkle in their eyes. They were filled with contentment and peace. Their culture of hospitality and simple approach to life is all they’ve been accustomed to.
Soon afterwards I found myself living in luxurious Eastern Europe, surprised at how vastly my mindset changed even after 2 months of living in some of the poorest countries in the Western hemisphere. Taking a hot shower, sleeping on a bed, having Internet access, and eating nutritious food seemed slightly overwhelming. And it offered a glimpse of life back in the States, where comforts and self-consumed mindsets are the norm. I didn’t realize how quickly I was swept back up by this mindset… until we reached Africa.
Entering Africa brought a fresh sensation of new beginnings for my team. As we began ministry with Beacon of Hope in Mozambique, several of my teammates and co-team leader sensed that prayer and intercession would be a vital role this month. Indeed it has, and we’ve already begun to see the fruit of our prayers. This past weekend we painted a clinic in the bush 3 hours away, loved on the children in the village, were tremendously blessed by the local missionaries, and sang African worship songs at the top of our lungs, declaring God’s freedom over that region. Prior to our trip we faced strong oppression to the point where we almost had to cancel the trip, but God intervened and paved the way for His work to be accomplished!
Amidst the exciting movements occurring, I’ve been reflecting back on my comforts. It’s only been about two weeks in Mozambique, and I’m already noticing patterns of clinging to comfort. Whether it’s craving a Coke or wanting that extra cup of coffee, or making sure I have enough snacks to avoid hunger, I’ve been giving into my fleshly wants. Not that it’s wrong to enjoy these things, but I’ve seen myself becoming in continuous “need” of them. Then I observe how the missionaries operate here, living selflessly and adapting to cultural differences… I’m reminded of my own upbringing on the mission field and how it does mean giving up. It means sacrifice. Yet it develops joy in a way most people cannot comprehend. Working with missionaries across the globe has challenged my definition of comfort, aspiring me to live by faith and trusting God to take care of my every need. It’s renewed a mindset of gratitude for His blessings. It’s brought self-control instead of the urge to buy 5 jars of peanut butter to stock up on the rare occasions of entering a grocery store (not that I could fit them in my pack even if I tried!).
I know God is using this year to prepare me for a lifetime of missions. I want to take every day as an opportunity to learn and let go of my own comforts. I want to cultivate a deeper sense of trusting Him with everything, enjoying when He blesses and having faith when things don’t go my way. Because in the end, it is worth it. It’s worth giving up an abundant lifestyle and living with those who have nothing. It is worth it to serve them and become a part of their culture all for the sake of sharing God’s love. That’s what I want my life to portray, both during and after the race. That’s how I intend to live for the rest of my life. Fully dependent and richly satisfied by His love.
