(In Africans, when they say "thank you" it sounds like, "buy a donkey.")
As I laid on the floor of the Johannesburg airport last night unsuccessfully trying to sleep, I started to thank God for all of the lessons I've learned over the last two months, the experiences I've had, and the ways He has challenged me to serve so far. It's hard to even put into words everything God has worked on in my heart, but I will do my best.
In South Africa, we met people with incredible hearts that follow the Lord in every decision they make and we rested in that confidence and faith in the Lord all month long. We served in the townships with children that had nothing. We washed oranges and prepared food for those kids. We learned a lot about patience and we learned a lot about grace- both lessons that I am so thankful to have learned. We learned to find God's glory in the little things and we learned to listen. I am so thankful for South Africa.
And then there was Swaziland. I learned to love kids that I barely knew unconditionally (even when their love seemed conditional on sweets and electronics that were in my pockets and even when they all had ring worm- don't worry Mom, I don't have ring worm…) I found my voice on the squad. I became better at sharing. I learned to go to the restroom and not worry about if anyone could hear me (because the walls didn't go all the way up to the ceiling and EVERYONE could hear you.) I learned more about patience and grace. I learned almost all of the kid's names at El Shaddai. I learned to better listen to God. I hiked a mountain in a skirt. I learned that I can live a month without craving Internet. I saw the craziest thunderstorms I've ever seen in my life. I carried kids for hours on end- ab workouts became a lot easier. I learned to live without consistent electricity. I learned that I can pick up a millipede… gross. I learned to shower in the dark- it made shaving my legs pretty much pointless. I watched an African sunset start to finish. I saw a shooting star. I picked up on Swazi facial communications. I learned not to mix primer with paint thinner. I poured out so much love. I felt so much love. I laughed. I cried. I made funny faces. I helped to lead chapel. I learned so much about who God is and what God wants for me. I learned a lot about faith and trust in God. I learned a lot about God's love.
We grew so much as a squat at El Shaddai and I am so thankful that we were there together this month. Though it was not all easy, it was so so good. It brought us closer together and our squad brought new energy and light to El Shaddai.
I loved El Shaddai Children's Home and though leaving was REALLY hard, I learned more this month than I could have ever imagined. I honestly hope that every month is as hard to leave as El Shaddai because I grew this month and I changed and I stretched myself and poured my heart out. This month was amazing and I can't wait to see what's next in Ethiopia.
