I should have learned this by now

I should have learned this by now: things on the World Race are NEVER what you expect them to be. This month, I expected to wander the dusty dirt roads of Ntinda, meet new friends and invite them to English classes and bible studies at the Suubi (Hope) House. Instead, I found myself staring at the white walls of a hospital room for the majority of my month with a dear friend & teammate. You can read her blog here to hear about why she was in the hospital –> http://meghanhill.theworldrace.org/mobile/?filename=i-asked-for-hospital-ministry-not-a-bed​

 

In spite of being stuck in a hospital room, serving her and trying to keep her entertained, God was working on ME. As I sat and reflected back on the month, God brought so many things to mind and spoke to me about ways He had refined me this month. I must admit, I didn't have the best quiet times, team times, bible studies or worship sessions this month, yet the Lord dealt with me as He needed.

 

I learned what it TRULY means to put my agenda aside and serve others as though I was serving Jesus himself. 

 

I learned that I can't be all things to all people all the time. I spent the majority of the month feeling stretched in so many directions- wanting to be with my teammate at the hospital, wanting to be doing ministry with the rest of the team, wanting to be building a relationship with and loving on our contact and her family. 

 

I learned that God knows EXACTLY what we need ahead of time and provides. He knew that in order to remain sane, I needed to get out and teaching spinning classes at the gym! He provided many friendships there and allowed me to share my faith with several of my new friends. 

 

I learned that as a friend and a team leader, sometimes you have to make the hard decision. Having the conversation with my teammate about leaving the Race to seek better medical care was one of the HARDEST conversations I've ever had to have but through that, I learned to stand up for what I believe is best/right, even if it isn't what's popular. 

 

I learned that when God says "Come to Me," at 4:30 am when I am wide awake, to be obedient, get my BUTT out of bed and listen to Him. I had spent the month exhausted- physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually and hadn't even realized it. He beckoned me to spend time just sitting in His presence and worshipping Him on our front porch before the sun even came up. It was exactly what my soul needed. I laid down the heavy burdens I had been carrying and let Him refresh my soul.

 

All things being said, I wouldn't change anything about this month. Going forward, I now know how to love my team better, how to serve with my whole heart and how to keep my life in balance. There is going to be a Meg-sized hole on Team Sheila's, but we all know she will be traveling with us in spirit (and via our various Internet devices) as we run the next 2 months of the Race. 

 

YOU WILL BE GREATLY MISSED MEGGY POO!!!!