Hi friends!
I know it has been a while since I’ve written a blog, and I have so much to catch you up on! So get comfy, because there is a lot!
My adventure started at launch in Atlanta. For me, only living thirty minutes away made it hard for me to believe the race was actually starting. After a few tearful goodbyes (thanks Ellie), my brother and sister drove me to the hotel all racers were staying at. After a few days of classes and catching up with my squad, we were off! We had a ten hour flight to Istanbul, Turkey, and then a ten hour layover. Most of us slept on the floor in the airport, and everytime someone would walk past us, they would laugh. I guess it is a little funny to see forty something Americans sleeping in a corner covered with bags.
After our layover, we had another ten hour flight to Mozambique. Once we landed, we had a nine hour bus ride to Maputo. We had a few stops, including crossing the border from South Africa into Mozambique. Finally, at two in the morning, we arrived to Beacon of Hope. We weren’t expecting anyone to be awake, much less dinner. But when we walked in the house, people were waiting to see us, and they had dinner, sweet tea, and chocolate cake waiting for us! All I can say is, God provides! Our entire squad spent the night at Beacon of Hope. It was pretty crowded, so one squad mate and I slept in the pantry. I can cross that off my bucket list now.
The next morning, teams went their seperate ways to their ministry sites, and my team and one other stayed here. Our host, Angie, was so gracious to give us the weekend to rest and explore. We got to meet the boys that live here, and even got to go into town and look around.
Yesterday, we started our first real day of ministry. Katie and I teach a bible class three times a week to the boys. Yesterday we started with the creation story. We talked about how God created the sun and the stars, land and the ocean, animals, and us. We played a few games and handed out candy. At the end of class, I asked two of the boys if they liked class and if they would want to come again. They were so excited and told us we did a good job. Each boy left smiling, and honestly, my heart was so full.
Today was a little different. Four of us went to another sight and painted some of the walls. The house we were out houses women in prostitution and their children. It gives them a chance to come out of the life, and also provides counseling. I was so excited to go. I thought I would get to meet some of the girls and minister to them. But it ended up just being my team and I painting. I was a little disapointed. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized today had a special purpose. God designed today to keep me humble. To remind me that I am here to serve, no matter the situation. It was a service of love. Yesterday, I saw the boys reaction. They loved class and hanging out with us. Today, I didn’t get to see that. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t joy in what we did. I got to spend quality time with friends while making something beautiful. We left something beautful behind, and when the girls see it, I hope it brings them joy.
Coming into the race, I thought that Africa would be my favorite. Mozambique sure hasn’t dissapointed. We have gotten to spend the last four days bonding with the boys, playing intense games of soccer with them, worshipping with them, and teaching them. And in return, they have accepted us. They started a dance party. They sang and started beating on water containers and pulled us one by one into the group. They have taught us portuguese. They have taught us crazy magic tricks. They have played jokes on us. They even showed us their crazy game of laying a tire down on the ground and propping the end up with a cement block, turning it into a trampoline. They would run, jump off the tire, and do crazy flips in the air. They couldn’t talk any of us into trying that one.
My race has just began, and my heart is overflowing with love. Love for the father. Love for my squad. Love for my team. Love for my host and her amazing family. Love for the boys. Love for Mozambique. The Lord also overhwhelmed me with gratitude. I would never be here without my supporters. I mean that with all of my heart. People have been so good to me, and I am only $609 away from being fully funded. For anyone considering donating, I can’t tell how much it would mean to me. I have only been here for four days and already see what the Father is doing, and I pray you see it too! I can’t wait to see what else the Lord brings my way.
