ETA: Now

I’m back. Life in Africa already seems like a distant memory but my heart still burns with the things I learned there. Just a natural/fleshy side note…I don’t miss the 100+ degree weather which means sweating ALL the time, we had no running water 78% of the time which meant well runs, latrine outings and the occasional bottled water shower. The food was…different, living in a tight community of 12 girls in one house, 6 in one bedroom the size of my bathroom and 300+ other students around you at all times was a cursing and a blessing.

However, I already miss the sound of the Mozambican mamas in the morning. I miss the giggles of my roommates late at night above my head; I miss the warm sun and the beautiful ocean. I miss the community; always having a friend to talk, laugh, or cry to. I miss my house 15 girls and my beautiful house mama, Khanh. I miss family nights and pizza night, I miss going to class (not sitting on the concrete for 6+ hours) but listening to and learning from so many wonderful speakers.

And now I’m here back in SC and the number one question of the day is….. “What are you going to do now?” I’ve tried to hide away in my half wide but in rare occasions when I have shown my face that’s been the first question asked and my response, “I don’t know”. But I will try to tell you what I do know…so here goes nothing.

Harvest school was life changing in that while I was there I realized I can live the life and be the person Daddy God intended me to be no matter where I reside. I know He opened a door for me to go all the way to Pemba, Mozambique to assure me that He has great plans for me not only in other nations but right here!

So for now….however long now is.. I'm here. I’ll be substituting at the local school district until the end of the school year in June then..who knows?!?

During this time of processing, enjoying family, learning and growing spiritually, and stretching myself  I am remaining open to any and every opportunity He has for me so that brings me to what I know.

I know in February I have an opportunity to go with a small group to Ukraine. While I was in Africa He told me this was something I needed to do and as soon as I got home I confirmed it with the team and now it’s just up to me to buy the ticket and a scarf! Crazy that he’s taken me from 100+ degrees to freezing temperatures and snow!

 

I know this two week trip will be a learning experience and my heart jumps at the thought of it. It feels great to say I know what’s next even if it’s only a tiny step. I’ve always avoided plans with the Lord because He has always changed them and turned my world upside down, but what I’m realizing is if I would be patient and LISTEN He makes it clear what He has for me and then I can simply go. It’s also a wonderful thing  knowing that financially I have no way to go on this trip but in my heart I know that He will make a way. I have learned through the last 3 months and the time prior to leaving that I have to be solely dependent on Jehovah Jireh to provide all my needs and send gracious and willing people to pour into my life financially and He’s already done it and I know He will do it again!

 

So that’s all I know. I plan on enjoying the Christmas and New Year holidays with my family and get back into the work flow with the beautiful children of FSD3 that I have missed. And then February I’m flying out again for a much shorter time and then…your guess is as good as mine.

 

But that’s the beauty of living a life totally surrendered to Daddy God. His ways are higher and His plans are sooo much bigger. All he wants me to do is enjoy life so that’s what I plan on doing.

I am ready to face the world and tell the stories of how the people of Mozambique changed my life but most importantly of how I learned how intimate I can be with not only Daddy God but Holy Spirit as well. I am ready to bring others into this new perspective of seeing how close He truly is and how pleased He is with our lives… now..just as we are!

So Daddy God this is my public declaration. I’m ready to share what you’ve taught me so that I may learn more. I’m ready to pour out the love and revelation you’ve downloaded to me so that your children can experience more than I did! I lay myself down that You may use me and wear me like a coat. I’m at your service Daddy! Let Your perfect will be done!

 

*I’m ready when you are:  If you would like me to share about my trip with your church family just let me know I would be more than happy to tell my stories…I have too many and it’s hard to type them into a paragraph because they possess so much life and love. I would love to share in person!