Well, seeing as how one of the only rules about blogging these blogs is that we can't do "shout out's" I have suddenly lost about half of my ideas for today's blog. Kidding… But I just wanted to make sure that all those important to me know how deep my love is for them. It's been less than a week, but this experience is already shaking what I value and leaving me aching for those I left behind. It's already made me realize how fortunate I am to have all you supporting me from back home. Thank you so much for your continued support.
When I signed up for this trip, I really had no inkling of what I was getting into. I hoped for the best, but wasn't quite sure what that would be. But here it is, day 4 and we have already experienced a time of great spiritual revival. It's been a time of renewal and healing. It's been a time of watching God move. I have found the best.
Everyone said I had "courage" for packing up my stuff, subleasing my house away, and basically giving up every aspect of life as I knew it. I didn't necessarily agree.
Now… I agree. I feel like every inch of my spiritual being has been poked and prodded, stretched, and tested. I feel like every inch of my spiritual being is alive. I wasn't expecting that. Before I left home, a word was given that this trip would forever impact my life. That I would come home a changed person, someone that those around me barely recognized. That over the course of this trip, I would change so many lives. Here at training camp, I've been given several words that I will be able to really help women and children on this trip. That the pain I've lived through in life will give me a tool of ministry. Because I went through an incredibly hurtful and abusive relationship, I will be able to relate to these women on a different level than most people. I have experienced some of what they've gone through, and it's that level of compassion that will aid in healing their hurt. Words cannot even describe how excited I am to see these promises come to life.
This has been a time of discovery, a time of relationship, and a time of growth. God has specifically placed me with these very people for some reason or another, and I can't wait to see that reason unfold. Their contrasting differences really play off each other. The passion in their eyes leaves me in awe. You can tell that they are ready to give everything up to see God's glory.
This camp was well needed, but I'm ready to get this show on the road and get out of here. Good bye presently FREEZING cold Georgia where peaches are probably not growing because it's freezing. Plane ride in approximately t minus 30 hours. It's Africa time. 🙂
Shae Loucks
