“And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” Luke 22:19
Hi Friends and Family,
I have been here for 3 weeks now. As many of you know, I was having some visa problems prior to leaving. We were instructed to spend a few days in another country to get in smoothly. Thank you for all of your prayers because there were no troubles at the airport! Praise the LORD!
The past few weeks have been informative, overwhelming, and motivating. My roommates and I have been able to meet the rest of the 26 team members and their sweet kiddos. We rented an apartment and have started making it home. But on top of all of that, we are getting the opportunity to be immersed in the culture that we have been praying for since day one of this entire process. It’s a lot to take in, but it’s a dream from the Lord coming to fruition.
I am studying the book of Luke right now; it’s focus on the Holy Spirit in the Gospel, and it’s theme of inclusion for all people in the Kingdom. I spent some time sitting in Luke 22 where Jesus first invites His disciples into the sacred act of communion. In my bible, right next to that verse, I have written “choose remembrance”: choose to remember where God has brought you and what He has done. I was given a space by the Lord to start my day with choosing to remember different pieces of my testimony that mold me into the flawed yet valued person He’s crafted.
Later on, I was listening to the Liturgist Podcast while walking around in the city. It’s a program that discusses different topics about the church and it was focusing on Worship and the different avenues of worship. They honed in on the eucharist and what it means to remember His sacrifice. As I was walking around this place that I am now calling home, I felt as if I was taking the bread and wine. Remembering that Jesus was obviously innocent but it was in His nature to love me so much to die for my sins. Remembering that His Holy Spirit has guided me in the most beautiful way over the past 3 years to know this is my place. And remembering that He desires to invite me and my entire team to be included in the Kingdom and help others see that invitation here in this place. WOWZA! What a God!
Overall, I am doing well. So many of you have asked about my transition and it means a lot to me! I am starting language school this Tuesday and working at the Tea House ministry we have next Saturday. My next blog will hold some of my experiences with those two things!
Prayer Requests:
-Smooth language learning
-Intentional friendships and conversations with nationals to occur for my roommates and I
-Continual growth with the refugees we are serving here