Hello from Atlanta, Georgia! I am officially back in the United States. It feels a little weird, not going to lie. The beds are comfortable, people drive on the right side of the road, (although I don’t know if it’s the “right” side anymore) the tap water tastes good, it’s 100 degrees… the list goes on. The last two weeks in South Africa were some of my favorite weeks. The last two weeks at Timion are so memorable. I finished ministry sanding wood, sawing wood and using a stapling gun in the work shop. I also continued working in the garden weeding, planting, harvesting, working with donkeys and building coverings for the seedlings. Timion was so life giving; quite literally. Ruth, one of the donkeys, gave birth to a sweet baby boy. His name is Nvula, which means “rain” because he was born in a storm. (There is more to the story if you want to hear it!) I left South Africa feeling satisfied, joyful, heartbroken, and hungry for more of the Lord.
One of the biggest realizations I’ve had on this trip has to do with evangelism. God has shown me that there’s no “off or on” switch when it comes to showing the love of Jesus. It’s a daily, constant, life changing commitment. Jesus spent genuine time with people. He shared food, gave advice, performed miracles, and walked through life with His friends. He met people where they were, never judging. He made it known that everything He was doing for the glory of the Father. That is the God that I serve. That is the God that I want to embody. I don’t have to go across the world to be a missionary. I’m a missionary everyday, anywhere, anytime.
The last two days have been the most exhausting hours of my life. Traveling through a time change really takes it out of you. I woke up at 1:30am with my body thinking it was time to get ready for morning team time. Thankfully I was able to fall back asleep until 3:30. Today is going to be a long day. It’s also going to be a hard day full of “see you laters” It has been an absolute privilege working alongside of my team. Everyone who went on this trip will forever have a special place in my heart. They have taught me so much about myself, and about God. We have shared blood, sweat, tears, and copious amounts of laughter. I’m already missing them and I’m already looking forward to the next time I see them.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who spiritually and financially supported me. I wouldn’t have been able to do this trip without you. I have so many pictures and stories that have gone unshared. Please please don’t hesitate ask me out for coffee! I’d love to get together and share about my past 2 months and hear about yours.
Prayer requests:
Pray that transitioning back into daily life goes well
Pray that the “to do list” when it comes to school goes smoothly
Lastly pray that I will be able to maintain the discipline it takes to make God the priority of my day
The Lord is alive and His spirit is moving around the world. I serve a God who sees me and hears me. He is so good.
Until the next adventure,
Isabelle
(616) 633-9523
