It's been another busy few weeks for this girl. We just wrapped up a week-long summer camp called Camp Zoe for the kids we have been ministering to in the local neighborhoods. I woke up at 12:30 PM this afternoon, if that tells you anything about just how tired I was after getting back from camp.
But it was such a good time. Something I've noticed about myself during our ministry times is that I have a tendency to get quite nervous before any outreach event. I don't even always realize that my nerves are peaking until the day we leave, but I noticed it a little early on this time. Why do I do this?
Maybe I fear new things. I think that's a big part of it. I worry that I won't be able to really help the kids because I don't speak the language. I worry that I will be overwhelmed or unable to handle a new situation. These are the thoughts that pass through my head the days before we leave.
But then there is that moment when I see the kids, and all my worries seem to fade. I remember why I came. I came for them. And I realize I don't have to speak the same language to show them I care, to offer a shoulder to a sleepy child, to teach them windmill high-fives, or offer a hug and a smile. This is what I have to give right now. And that's important. Maybe I can't tell them in words what I want to say, but there are some things that transcend language. And that's comforting to me.
We leave for India in just a few days (April 18th), and I know these are lessons I will need to carry with me as I enter a completely new culture with a totally different language. Please pray for me.
Pray for wisdom and grace and discernment and peace. I believe God is stretching me to not only embrace one new country and culture, but the entire world for His kingdom.
Next stop: India. :)
1 comment:
It is an awesome feeling when love and need breaks through that nervous self-doubt and washes us with purpose and strength. It is also good to have a chance to 'sleep it off' when the activity has died and the nerves are spent.
I love reading your adventure with God and life. May this day be blessed and full of purpose in the small things.
Post a Comment