The first month of this journey has been a whirlwind of emotions. I have been joyful, miserable, excited, lonely, and filled with wonder. The Lord is very present here, and he is using this journey to change my heart is so many beautiful ways. My negative emotions, which stem most often from the desires of my flesh, are teaching me more about the selfishness that is hiding within me. I am selfish with my time, my energy, and my resources. The Lord is changing my heart not only for this country, but for the beautiful people I love at home.
I am learning to tame my tongue, pray more than I speak, and overall ask more frequently for the Spirit of self-control. I am learning that Jesus is truly the only one that I need. He has gifted me with people to pray for daily and to love unconditionally. As I look at my list of prayer requests, associated with my loves from home, all I can do is be thankful. I am learning so much about myself, and the journey I am walking with the Lord.
I have seen the face of Jesus in this place differently than ever before. I see him not only as my protector, my comforter, my strong-hold, but also my pursuer. The love the Lord has for me has so many facets that I had never experienced, and so many more that I will get to experience in the future. During worship one evening, Jesus drew me into a dance with him. My thoughts were utterly consumed with the vivid picture of Jesus leading me around the dance floor. I felt completely secure and loved in his arms.
The Holy Spirit is so present here. I am being challenged so frequently by him and learning to be the woman that The Lord has so perfectly called me to be.
The challenges are hard and full of confusion at times, but I know that by the end of this short journey… I will be different. I will fearless and faithfully seek after the Lord’s will. I will learn to love others in my life more like Jesus would. This means spending more time with them and intentionally investing. It means seeking others who are unlike me, and learning from them.
My heart is full here. I have exactly one month until I return home and can hear all of what the Lord is doing in all of you back home. Thank you for the prayers. Please continue to pray, that the Lord continues to changes my heart. That he gives me his heart more specifically. I want to fully walk in His Will and let his Glory shine not my own. I am nothing without the Lord.
