The Dominican Republic was absolutely beautiful. I loved the view from our bedroom window and the sound of rain every afternoon at the same time. I loved the fireflies that would surround my bed at night and sharing a room with 20 other girls. I loved our cook Elva and her crazy humor. I loved trying to learn spanish even though it was completely embarrassing. I loved the beautiful beaches. I loved serving the family that we were living with and having the love of Jesus overflow in my heart. I loved the excitement of something new and what was yet to come.
Haiti was Hot, but I loved spending the hot days at the beach. I loved the community in Haiti. I loved living with all girls. I loved our little pink house. I loved the way that Haitian Creole sounded coming from my lips. I loved the way the kids would yell our names from outside the gate so eager to play. I loved the skits that we had to come up with last minute for our VBS. I loved the little old ladies that we cared for while we were there. I loved the quiet days and the good conversations and the laughs. I loved learning about new cultures and experiencing new things.
Botswana was different. I loved our cabin and my cute little bedroom. I loved the window by my bed. I loved finally having air conditioning after 2 months of heat. I loved how much I grew in intimacy with the Lord. I loved how much I learned about myself and what I believe to be true. I loved how much God revealed about himself to me. I loved having warm water and being able to cook our own food. I loved the little cafe that had the worlds best chocolate milkshakes right down the road. I loved living in a smaller community. I loved spending my birthday and the holidays there. I loved that I could see myself becoming the person the Lord intended for me to be.
South Africa was a gift from God. I loved our beautiful home. I loved all of the privileges that we were given. I loved having a bathtub and a big kitchen. I loved the ministry that we were working with. I loved our ministry hosts. I loved being poured into. I loved spreading the word of God with new people everyday. I loved creating relationships and making friends. I loved the way the God worked through me and used me. I loved having a pool and sitting in the sun. I loved the experiences that I had. I loved learning South African lingo. I loved be exposed to modern life in a new country. I loved the way that I was loved by everyone around me. I loved all of the laughing and some of the best memories on the race. I loved the safaris and the sunsets. I loved experiencing Gods creativity in all new ways.
I love the Philippines. I’ve lived here for 2 months and I love it. I love our cook mama Jo. I love living in the mountains. I love the food. I love the kindness of everyone who lives here. I love my little community. I love the kids that live next door. I love the view when I wake up in the morning. I love tanning on the roof. I love our dogs Otis and Snoop. I love going on long treks to find jack fruit. I love camping on the beach. I love living in a church. I love the heat of the city but then coming home to the cool mountain air. I love the church bell that rings everyday at 12pm and 6pm. I love learning more everyday about Philippine culture. I love the way Jesus is constantly reminding me why I am here.
I love so many other things here but with the race coming to an end in one short month, all of these things will become lovED. I pray that even in years to come I can still remember the things that I loved about each of these places and that I never forget how God moved and showed himself in each of the things I loved.
