I have officially finished my first month in Africa, and have hit the half way point of the race. I know right…crazy!!
The journey to get to Africa wasn’t the most fun for me.
During a layover in Bangkok, Thailand, I began to not feel very well. At this point, I had been awake for roughly 24 hours. In the middle of the airport I began to throw up. Traveling while sick has got to be the worst thing I’ve experienced on the race so far. I threw up again on the flight to Nairobi, Kenya.
What are the chances I would have time to rest when we got to Botswana?
After a 14 hour overnight bus (which blared club music the whole night), a ferry, and a two hour truck ride, we made it to our ministry site.
After arriving our host informed us that he was going to give us a few days to rest. He also told us that our ministry was evangelism for the month in the surrounding village.
What are the chances we would get training?
I’m no longer afraid to share about Jesus, but when I heard evangelism was our ministry for the month I have to admit I got nervous.
I know how to share Jesus’ love and how he changed my life, but I felt inadequate to share the Gospel and the message of salvation.
I have recently been praying for more teachings on Biblical truth. Thankfully, for the entire first week in Botswana, our host, Willy, gave us training on evangelism and the culture. It was exactly what I needed to walk in confidence to share the truth of God’s Word.
I went along with my teammate Donovan every weekday to a family in the village. They were really receptive to hearing the Gospel, but the biggest thing I learned was you need to invest in the lives of those that you are ministering to. Sharing about the love of Jesus, means nothing if you can’t show that love yourself. We took time to get to know them and hear their stories.
What are the chances I would gain a family in Botswana?
This month was really hard to be away from my family. My dad had major surgery towards the end of February, and not being able to be there for him was tough. I was feeling really homesick, and struggling being on the race.
We slept in our tents this month, but our host allowed us to come into their home whenever we wished.
I have yet to experience a family dynamic on the race like I had this month.
Willy runs Delta Cross Ministries along with his amazing wife, Estelle. They also have two daughters, Arista and Simone, that really became part of our team.
They adopted us all into their family for the month. From fat cake fridays, to movie nights, to bible studies, to making sure I was okay when I looked a little sad thinking about my dad.
This was the first time that I cried leaving a ministry host. They are the most genuine, amazing hosts I could have ever hoped for. I had no idea I would react that way when saying my goodbyes. I didn’t realize how much they meant to me until I had to say “goodbye”.
I am so honored to say that I have a family back in Botswana.
What are the chances the Lord supplies all of our needs?
When I needed rest, the Lord provided. When I needed confidence, the Lord provided. When I needed family, the Lord provided.
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
It’s so easy to forget this when things aren’t going right.
The Lord is there for you whenever you need anything!
I always seem to come to this realization after the fact, but it’s so true! He always provides.
My little stinker.
He was so fascinated by my “soft” hair.
The family that I spent my month with. Nkatogang, Sekgwa, and One (Oh-Nay).
My team along with our hosts, Willy, Estelle, Simone, and Arista.
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Prayer Requests:
Two of my teammates had to return home during this month because of an accident in their family. Please pray for Andrew and Alyssa Stapley, and the family member that was in the accident.
Also, please continue lifting my parents up in your prayers. My dad is home from the hospital (yay!) but is still going through the recovery process. Also for my mom as she is trying to juggle a lot while my dad is recovering.
