I’m writing this right now on the plane headed to Malaysia, and it’s so crazy to me how time works on this trip. It’s extremely fast and incredibly slow all in the same moment. The “race” life is truly never feeling settled anywhere, so getting on this plane didn’t feel like a big deal. But now that I’m on it and can reflect, I’m realizing how weighty it is for me to leave. I knew I’d probably never be there again after we left— but now I’ve actually done the action of leaving. I’d expected I would miss it, but not that part of my heart would be left there.
CarePoint
The last two weeks at CarePoint were so sweet. I truly treasured my last moments being all together with the kids. It was hard because the clock was moving fast, but the Lord really helped me to see each day we still had as something to be so grateful for. That my time hadn’t run out yet, so I’m going to make the most of it. I hadn’t thought about going to Malaysia till we started packing— the Lord helped me stay very present!
The last two weeks we played every game imaginable, worked hard to leave the care-point so much better than when we got there, had a Christmas party with the kids, and danced every chance we got. It was hard to say goodbye knowing it’s the forever kind. I prayed so hard that those goodbyes were see you later’s— that these seeds would flourish and I’d one day see them again in the presence of the Father.
It was so hard to say goodbye to the kids. They held on tight— not wanting to let you go. They didn’t understand why I couldn’t stay for them. My hardest goodbye was to our Shepherd, Happiness, and the adults of the care-point that I’d built deep and meaningful relationships with. If you think about it, seeing them 8 hours everyday for 6 weeks is a lot of time together. I felt very close to them. Seeing their tears broke me. I wanted to stay so bad— to encourage them to continue to pursue the Lord through all the hard moments. To not give up. I wanted to continue to bring joy and light into their lives. But the time I did get I count as a blessing in of itself. That at least God allowed me the opportunity to do all of those things for the 6 weeks I was there.
My time in Swazi taught me so much. It brought me near to the Lord again. It gave me a heart of the Father. To see His people the way He does. It gave me a heart for the people in my own community. To reach the people around me who are lost. I want to live like ministry is life and life is ministry. Not a part of life— but life. Because I’ve learned that when you invite the Lord into everything you’ll see Him move like wildfire.
Swazi, oh how I loved you.
As the kids would say…”I’ll miss you my friend!”
Debrief
This past week, before we headed to Malaysia, we had a time to rest and reflect on our time in Swazi in Nelspruit, South Africa. Each team had a day we sat down with our squad’s mentors and coaches, who fly out to South Africa to do debrief with us, and went through all of the past 2 months. It’s an opportunity to learn and grow from your mistakes in ministry and celebrate the victories. While also looking ahead to what’s next and preparing our hearts. We got the opportunity to also have one-on-ones with a squad leader, mentor, or coach. It’s a super fruitful time to get poured into and open up in how you’re doing.
We had teachings and worship each day to continue to push us towards growth and centering on Jesus. A time to be filled up again after pouring out all your oil!
Then there are things like squad fun time, where at night we all play a big group game, free time where we can go and explore the Nelspruit area, and an adventure day. On our adventure day we all went to Kruger National Park and saw lots of incredible animals like Elephants, Lions, Jaguars, Zebras, Giraffes, Hippos, Rhinos— the list could go on!
During our time we stayed at this hostel where world racers have been having debriefs for years! The owner, Crazy Dave, loves having the racers come so much that he didn’t go on vacation with his wife to be with us while we were here! Even though Dave doesn’t believe the same things as us it was cool to get to testify to him and see in his eyes that he knew there was something so different and special about the way we lived. He said that we brought life, which is a reflection of the One who gives life!
Crazy Dave is such a cool person. He’s done so much in his 60 years of living. Traveled to 50 countries, 25 US states, met President Trump, and ran from Nelspruit to Cape Town in 40 days. It’s over a marathon every day if you’re curious, and he didn’t take one day off. Crazy Dave is seriously the most interesting person I’ve ever met.
I can’t believe a third of my trip is over, but those three months have been the best of my life— I’m so expectant for these next six to come. I love how the Lord is changing me. I wasn’t sure if I’d actually come back much different or affected by this trip, but now I see that if you choose into it, the Lord will move greatly in you.
But my heart is now set on what’s next— Malaysia, I’m ready for you!
If you want to see any photos from my time in Swazi join my photo circle!!!
It brings tears to my eyes as God is shaping your heart in new ways. All the people you’ve now met, that were only a conversation btwn the two of us a few months ago. You didn’t know their faces or smiles and now they have left an imprint on your heart and God has used you to leave a lasting reflection of Jesus in theirs. Can’t say this trip is flying by fast for me but everything in God’s hands. It’s open surrender, even on my part. Love that I’ve gotten to see a glimpse into these beautiful places through your words and pictures! Love and miss you like crazy chick!!!!
So encouraging to hear your heart as you live out bring the hands and feet of our Lord and Savior.