A Saturday morning in Africa…….sleep was elusive last night but totally my fault! When we got home yesterday, Ed and I had a cup of coffee around 5pm……to be honest, I don’t think my body knows what time it is!! LOL I am just rolling with the wake ups and apparently challenging sleep times. No stress, just kind of funny.
Our devotionals this morning centered around Joshua 4. So thought provoking and encouraging. What an example for us…..laying stones to remember what God has done in our lives. These journals/blogs are some of my “stones”. To be able to look back and see where God was working, where He was faithful, where He grew me.
We went out for 2 bible camps today. All of us in 1 van. We picked up some lollipops for the kiddos. At the first camp, we sang songs, learned about Gideon and how God will use anyone, no matter how small or weak and shared a Gospel presentation. The kiddos listened intently. When we were ready to hand out the “sweets”, they formed a single line…..we gave out 204!! Our 2nd camp was only a short drive away under a tree in a woman’s yard. We had picked up more lollipops but did not have enough so we could hand any out. Again we sang songs, shared the Gideon story, shared the evangecube and then Ed gave a call for salvation. Many stood up. We are not sure where all their hearts were……but we know we were obedient……we planted and we watered.
Afterwards, we took a little trip to an authentic Malawian restarting where we ate local food. I have become a big fan of cooked pumpkin leaves. I can’t wait to make them at home!
We went out for a little vendor shopping and then head back home. Most of us are feeling tired, so we all took a little nap before preparing dinner. We asked Lita if we could cook for them and give her a night off! It worked great, Ed, Leah, Karey and myself created a delicious dinner of pork chops, sausages, corn, baked potatoes, avocado and then decadent chocolate cake. We are all feeling like we are in a bit of a food coma right now. LOL
As we wait to have more hot water to shower, the mission house has quieted down……some are journaling, playing pool and just relaxing.
A sweet day at a slower pace……we kind of needed it! A phrase has stuck with me since our devotionals this morning….. “in everything we do, working with eternity in mind”. That seems so simple but requires so much intent. Is my mind and heart focused in that way…….. I need to ask the Lord for more help in that. Karey and I talked about it today too through out the day. What that can look like back home. It’s easy to have that focus on the mission field……. May it be in every aspect of my life.
This team the Lord has knitted together for this time is a gift. Each with beautiful strengths and realness. The blending of each of us together makes us stronger. When one is teaching/preaching, the others are praying. When one is deeply touched or challenged, the others are there to support. It is a beautiful blended family that only our Father could create!
One last question…….Do you have stones that point you back to Gods faithfulness? Something to think about!