There’s a lot to say, because this is the first time we’ve had internet access since Sept 12, and not very much time to say it! The past 11 days have been challenging- training camp consisted of sleeping in tents, sometimes in the rain, eating mediocre food, attending up to 6 ministry prep sessions/day, -learning “drimes” (hard to explain, but they’re kind of skits to music for street ministry stuff), and doing all kinds of team building activities in the Georgia red clay. But God has moved in my heart and shown me a lot about Himself and who I am in Him, as well as in relationship with my team members. He’s reminded me that the goal is and will always be His Kingdom coming- its not just about going to heaven, but about the restoration of His reign here. As Christians, we’re called to take back what is already His!
I’m learning a lot about my rights and expectations. At first, I didn’t have the best attitude about sleeping on the ground in a tent- I made sure to tell everyone how I had to put all of my clothes and towels underneath me to not feel roots- until He revealed to me that I need to be delivered from the things I think I have a right to/ deserve. I thought I deserved a full night’s sleep- or at least conditions in which one might be able to have one(!)- and I honestly asked if I was supposed to be delivered from the necessity to sleep. He had me surrender the right to what I consider fair, and the right to my personal space, and the right to criticize the way things are being done, and my right to question authority. This was (is still) pretty difficult, but I am ardently learning humility through it!
We did a few sessions on listening prayer- just asking God to reveal certain things to us- and was blessed and affirmed tremendously through this. There have been few times when I’ve heard His voice more clearly. God was faithful in revealing to me certain things that make me unique/ that He loves about me. This was so neat- everyone should try it! Write down a question for Him and just sit. And listen. Watch out though, because He’ll also tell you what He’s trying to change in your heart.
God really brought our team of 13 together through the week we were in training, and is continuing to do so here in Matamoros. This is our fifth day here, and I just feel so at home here already. We have done a lot of “Survivor” type stuff- getting dropped off in the middle of the Mexican boonies and having to find our way home/ across the border/ etc., but its been a blast. I know that doesn’t sound like it, but seriously. I love it. The sketchiest thing we’ve done so far was eat in America (yesterday we had to cross the border, and we ate at Church’s Chicken, and someone found hair in their food). So even though there is a Target in Brownsville, the 2 hour line in the baking sun to cross into America (and the fine! to get back to our own country!) just wasn’t worth the trouble. We’re pretty much satisfied with staying in Mexico till December.
We’ll start our internships the first week of October, so I’m definitely praying about that. Feel free to join me in asking for our team to make a great impact for His Kingdom here. I’m so sorry if it takes me awhile to respond to emails, we just have very limited time to do everything! Love to everybody!
hey hops!
how exciting to read this update from you! yeah, training camp can be rough, can’t it? i remember getting wet one night in the tent when it rained. but hey, it is cool how God will teach us more about Himself in situations like that. i am so glad you love the drimes! did y’all learn the one about materialism with the red scarf? i can’t remember the name of it… something with an “s” maybe? anyway, that was my favorite. i was satan, of course.
it is so cool to hear about what God has been telling you about things He loves about you. I remember being in absolute AWE the first time i asked God to tell me what He thought about me. it reminds me of that quote you had hanging above your mirror “God, help me to believe the truth about myself no matter how beautiful it is!”
what an answer to prayer that you feel home there! you, a nomad, feel at home. yay! i will definitely be praying about your internship and how you can use your gifts and talents to bless those around you. oh hops, i love it! i love you!
love buggie
Hey love- my other and better half…
So good to hear how things are going. Training camp is always hard, but is kind of a good gut check that we all need. Good thing you guys had bathrooms!!! thats more than kenya sometimes. 🙂 although i do love a good pit latrine on a hot day. jk.
Ill be praying for God to continually be revealing himself to you through various activities, prayers, people..etc. And whenever you see the Gateway, will you take some pictures for me? Mainly of a Mexico sunset and the little shack on the side of the property. One of my favorite things in mexico was when a group of us would get up before it was light outside and pray and have worship together outside in this field. When we were done the sun had risen and everything just seemed to glow and radiate with the Lord’s presence. It was always my favorite hour of the day.
I love you dearly and I can’t wait to hear how things go and what youre learning. 🙂 smile and laugh a lot for me! maybe make a craft? love love love.
mary
I love your comment about how our lives as Christians are not solely about being saved and going to heaven, but working to extend God’s kingdom. Man how we all need to hear that. I’m excited for your opportunity and that God is doing some deep heart surgery!