It's been 3 weeks since leaving America, but in some ways that feels like a lifetime ago. Before coming here, I went on a rant about how one must be an elite, mature person to go overseas. One must be ready to give their life, their belongings, and take up their cross to follow Jesus. I packed up my things into a backpack, carry-on, and two suitcases, and was ready to leave the rest behind me. While in pre-field training I remember thinking to myself "This is it. I feel ready, let's go do this, Jesus."
Upon entering my last flight, my carry-on was taken by one of the flight attendants who told me I could pick it up at baggage claim. I never received a baggage tag and never saw it after that. Keep in mind, this is the best stuff I planned to serve the Lord with; essential oils, laptop charger (obvious necessity for work purposes, as well as self-care needs), new Nike shoes, new sandals, camera, among so many other sentimental things. One week had gone by and I came to the conclusion that I probably will never see those things again. In my head, I thought to myself, "you know, I know this is a first world problem, but I'm upset. Also, this isn't the suffering (more like struggling), I had in mind in going overseas. ‘Lord, I will serve you no matter the cost! Except, I would really appreciate having my carryon back…’ I prayed.”
About one and a half weeks into my time here, we had another prayer night. My teammates began praying about real struggles the people they've been with are going through. They both poured their hearts out to God asking Him for deliverance for the people here and for lives to be transformed. I felt so humbled and silly for getting bent out of shape about my lost carry-on. On top of this, in my quiet time the next day I read in Mark about Jesus’ charge to the disciples and other followers. He tells them to only take the clothes on their back and sandals on their feet. Meanwhile, I still have two big suitcases, a backpack with books, and other comfort things. Two weeks in, I finally said, "Okay, Lord. I surrender all. Even my carry-on."