[Side note: this is our last day of internet so this will be my last blog until I go home]
I was reflecting on those first awkward moments when my team met at the airport and where we are now. We were a ecclectic group of 18 to 20 somethings coming from many different backgrounds and passions in life. We were different, not like the other teams at training camp. But I knew from the beginning that we were special and that God would bless us if we were faithful. My team has been in some of the lowest valleys and faced some of the biggest mountains these past 3 months. We struggled to find our place and purpose in being here but remained faithful. I firmly believe God took each of us "average" people and used us to do His work. We have found God's heartbeat here and discovered new passions within ourselves. I have seen Jesus shine through each and every one of us. We have become His hands and His feet even in the small things. I have seen the brokenness and beauty in my team as we have found our purpose here.
I see it in teaching classes to children who don't pay attention. Playing guitar until your fingers bleed and singing until you lose your voice. Painting murals on walls and painting empty classrooms. Holding the hands of someone living HIV positive and giving them words of encouragement. Serving tea after church and doing a million dishes in the hot sun. Playing hand clapping games until your hands go numb. Giving your lunch to a hungry child and holding a dirty babe close. Dancing like a fool to bring joy to someone's face. Praying for the sick and preaching to prisoners. Speaking words of truth to another team member when they need it most. Painting the dirty, bandaged toes of patients at the hospital. Loving on the boys at Atin and showing them that they matter. Giving a listening ear to someone who needs to share their story. Breaking language barriers with a smile and handshake…
I see it in loving the unlovable and touching the untouchable.
It's listening to those who thought they didn't have a voice.
It's finding strength for the weary and giving courage to the fearful.
It's bringing hope to the hopeless and joy to the downcast.
It's in those moments when we have allowed those walls to come down and allowed God to move in our hearts.Those moments when we were completely broken and realized that we never felt more alive.Those moments where we found the freedom to give all of ourselves and not expect anything back.
It's in that moment when we realized that it's not about us but it's all about Him.
And that's all that matters.
