It's been a bit of a challenge adjusting. Culture shock wasn't bad. I think once you've traveled enough and seen poverty and all those things, not too much shocks you anymore. I don't know if that's a good thing though. I feel like I've become a little more numb and insensitive to it, but I also feel like I've learned a tiny taste of what Paul was saying when he said he had learned the secret of being content in every circumstance. And that's a good thing. :)
Jesus has been so good and kind to me. There have definitely been challenges adjusting. One of the biggest challenges I have felt has been the lack of community compared to what I had this summer. Being in a spiritual bubble, so to speak, where you have extremely strong, passionate lovers of Jesus around you 24/7 and you are constantly being encouraged, pushed, stretched and always growing. And of course being poured into constantly by incredible speakers, men and women of God every day, getting to worship live with amazing, spirit-filled worship leaders every single day. Those are the things that are a little rough adjusting to not having. But Jesus has been so faithful to meet me. Even if it's just me and some worship music on my laptop or a cup of coffee and my Bible. He's the same and He hasn't changed although my surroundings have. He continues to romance my heart and draw me into deeper intimacy with him, and for that I can't thank him enough.
Another thing that has been a challenge for me is how to process and share everything that's happened in and around me this summer. I want so badly to share all that I've learned and experienced, but since I've been home it's been completely exhausting to even think about doing that. It's hard to put three months of life-changing experiences and heart-transformation into words. And sometime I almost feel like it will lessen the depth of those things to try to put it into words. But God will give me the words and the means in his perfect timing.
I think it goes without mentioning that I have been completely thrilled to be reunited with my family. Especially those precious little ones I like to call my neiphews. No matter where I am, I will always need children in my life. They show us unconditional love, childlike faith and trust, dependency, pure joy. They remind us of the simplicity of the Gospel. I am so blessed to have these little ones in my life.
I'm not sure what is next or what life holds, but I know God is moving and shaking things in the spiritual whether it's super obvious in the physical or not. I'm excited for whatever is next. I'm excited to see his plans unfold and in the meantime I just want to see him move and use me in whatever ways he chooses. I've had some great opportunities already to talk with people and pray for people. It's such an honor to pour out anything that He has blessed me with any put inside me. I got to pray with my little sister, Hope, one night and saw the Holy Spirit touch her powerfully. I'm trying to remember daily to stop for the one in front of me. To live in the moment and not pass up the opportunities he gives us each day. I've definitely had moments of success and failure in that, but Jesus is patient and faithful to keep giving opportunities.
Well, there is a little update on me and my life since I've been home. I'm truly loving life. Even though there are a lot of unknowns and that can be a little frustrating and scary at times, God has filled me with so much joy in the process. His love and his joy is what keeps me going. His presence is what gives me strength.
I will be writing some posts soon about my other summer experiences and stories which haven't been told yet. Don't get too excited. ;)
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