Three Insights

1. Prayer is a powerful tool. This morning I gathered with the “Teen Team” to plan out the next few weeks for what we will be teaching in the schools. After we laughed, discussed, and shared, we gathered for a time of corporate prayer. The seven of us gathered around the table and began praying. Now, I pray in the states and have prayed corporately in the states, but this morning, the power of prayer hit me. As I listened to Meegan, Shagmi, and Dez pray I was moved. I was moved because here are people who have “nothing” by American standards yet have everything. As they prayed, their prayers became more and more powerful. Every word they spoke was from the inner depths of their heart and was intended for the great, merciful God they serve. In those moments, I realized they understand what praying in faith means, and I have so much to learn!! Yet, the amazing thing is that though I may not always pray in full faith like my new friends, God still hears my prayers just as God hears theirs.

2. Christ comes in many forms. Today, the Teen Team went to Overcome Heights (a shanty town) to play soccer with the teenage kids that do not go to high school. As we were setting up, a little boy Raul came over to me and we started high-fiving. Well pretty soon, we found a ball and began to play. What a JOY his smile was to my day!! As we continued to play ball, another boy named Tyron came over and wanted to join in on the fun. Now, Tyron is partially blind so throwing the ball was a bit of a challenge. After a few times of throwing the ball from a distance and Tyron dropping it, Raul realized that Tyron could not see well so he decided to step right in front of him to throw the ball. He was literally a step away but would throw the ball so Tyron could catch it. The laughter and smiles that overcame Tyron as he caught the ball touched me. It is a sight I will never forget.

In that moment, watching those little boys play ball, I realized that Christ does the same thing for us. When we drop the ball in life or don’t get the ball(whatever that may be for each of us as individuals), Christ steps right in front of us and says, “Here I am right in front of you. Don’t stop throwing the ball. I am near you. I will catch it and throw it back. Have faith. Just keep trying. I am right in front of you.”

3. Patience is a virtue. I know that patience is a virtue, and frankly, it is a virtue I lack. BUT, I am quickly realizing I’m going to learn a lot about patience here. I knew I’d learn about patience due to “Africa” time. In Africa, everyone (well almost everyone) is late. The idea of time is not of great concern. Instead, they’d rather focus on living and enjoying life and friendships even if that means being a few minutes or even hours late to something. This is a good but challenging lesson for the girl who has every second of every day planned back in the states. But it is a good lesson. Africa time is continuing to teach me to breathe easier. Another reason, however, I am going to be learning patience is because of my partner in Kids Club. Each afternoon I am working with another Life Skills Educator named Alistar who frankly is annoying. He isn’t annoying in a mean way, he just likes to banter and give everyone a hard time. I never know when he is lying or telling the truth. He is extremely laid back and has already told me, “American gal…CHILL. Take life easy.” Needless to say, we both have a LOT to learn from one another these next few months. I know that I must learn how to be patient with him and instead of getting irked by him, see his strengths and worth that he brings to Living Hope.

These are three realizations that hit me throughout my first day, I know that many more will come. I cannot wait to see what God continues to reveal. I cannot wait to see what I continue to learn and discern in my time here.