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| Team Sri Lanka (L to R - Janie, Myself, Pastor George, Madison, and Stephanie) |
For weeks I have been staring at a blank page wondering how in the world I can compress two weeks of my life in just one blog post. Being the detail oriented gal that I am, it's been quite a struggle. Many times, upon returning home, I have been asked the infamous question about how the trip was and as much as I am excited to share, I feel as though my words won't do it any justice. The sights, the sounds, the beauty of experiencing Sri Lanka won't compare. But, this is my attempt to verbalize my trip in a nutshell and allow you to come on a journey with me as I share my heart and, hopefully, open your eyes to the work the Lord is doing around the world.
From the moment we left LAX I knew God was going to show me a lot on this trip, although what He showed me definitely wasn't what I had expected (go figure!). Our 16 hour flight to Dubai didn't go according to my plans by any means. Somewhere over the Atlantic I began to feel a bit claustrophobic and terribly anxious. I've been on long flights before and, although it was many years ago, I never had a serious problem with flying. I tried my hardest to distract my thoughts, but soon enough I was overcome with fear and stress. Quickly my observations of people went into over drive as I found myself being keenly aware of every move from the passengers. Finally, I found myself so deep in worry that I knew I had to do what needed to be done so that peace would set my heart and mind at ease. I reached out to one of my team mates and asked for prayer. Such a small task yet, sometimes, it can be so hard to do. Like many people, I can find myself too embarrassed to admit that I'm struggling and am in need of prayer. But we are called to bear one another's burdens (Gal. 6:2) and sometimes that may require humility on our part so that God can work in and through others to lift us up. How blessed I was to have had Janie to talk to (and not think I was crazy!) and pray with me several times on that flight, as well as having the seat right next to Stephanie who would explain all the funky plane noises and reasons for turbulence while thoroughly pointing out many scriptures underlined with "do not fear." God was already bonding us together as a team and growing me even more so with trusting Him in every aspect of my life. What comfort is found in knowing He is with me wherever I go (Joshua 1:9)!
Upon landing in hot and humid Sri Lanka I was excited to see what lay ahead. Not too far down the road the brake pads went out in our van and we found ourselves making an unplanned detour at a local mini mart of sorts. It was there that we discovered the beautiful fruit, in it's true form, that is called the banana (our lives would never be the same). After the van was fixed, we continued on our adventure where my memory becomes a little blurry due to my dramamine induced state. Although, I can recall our lunch stop that consisted of the spiciest food I've eaten in my life! With children chowing down at nearby tables I found myself feeling much like a wimp and worried that this was how all the meals in Sri Lanka would be. Needless to say our 8 hour drive to Arugam Bay was eventful to say the least.
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| Wearing traditional Sri Lankan salvarys |
While in Arugam Bay we were met with the sweetest form of hospitality I've ever received. Anywhere we would go the people there would find chairs and bring them to us so that we would have a place to sit, even if you refused. Their hearts were willing to serve us in any aspect and they loved doing it. It was wonderful to get to know the women in the community and hear some of their stories, even as heart breaking as it could be. Most of them have lost loved ones (due to the '04 Tsunami) and yet they can sit there with the biggest smiles on their faces, grateful for the little they have and for God who has been there with them every step of the way.
One of the most memorable moments of this trip was having the opportunity to lead worship at their small church, alongside Tiffany (one of our church's missionaries) and Chris (from Surfing the Nations). Two things happened for me in that moment. First, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to use the gifts God has given me half way around the world. God continues to use moments like those to build up my confidence and grow me in the calling He has placed on my life that all I can do is stand back and praise Him for how far He has brought me. Secondly, seeing the people of Arugam Bay worship the same Lord that I worship here in America was a beautiful thing. I loved seeing them pour out their hearts and sing as loud and passionately as they could. No one was worrying about "being on key" or what others would think...they were merely singing for an audience of One.
Through all the food prep, cleaning, loving on kids, and relational building, God continued to show me just how vital and unique our different gifts are (1 Cr. 12:7-11). It was amazing to see how God used each and everyone of us individually. Whether it be through acts of service, teaching, or prayer, God was manifested in all of our lives to be used in the way He has ordained.
The last week of the trip was a bit challenging for me. I had been feeling spiritually and emotionally attacked, but was very grateful that the Lord had sustained me regarding all my health issues. Then, I was put in a position of really trusting Him more. One night I was feeling a little under the weather and the next thing I knew, I was in dire pain. Again, I was faced with the opportunity of learning (all be it in a painful way) to trust the Lord in every circumstance. Being sick and away from home is hard enough, but when you throw in miles of separation and pain you've experienced in the past that has sent you to the ER, you tend to be on the verge relentless worry. Once again, I found myself scared and stressed about a circumstance I couldn't fix, let alone see an end result to. In that moment, God revealed to me again the power of prayer and His Word. Though I was physically weak, my heart could be at rest with the comfort I found in Deuteronomy 31:6 which says, "Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you."
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| Precious little ones |
I feel as though I can share story after story of what God did in and through me in Sri Lanka. Coming home has only brought forth more of what He did as I continue to settle back into life and comprehend everything that happened in those short two weeks. To say I was blessed to have had this opportunity to go to Sri Lanka is an understatement. I am terribly grateful to those of you who have not only financially supported me to make this trip possible, but those of you who have been faithfully keeping me in your prayers. I was stretched out of my comfort zone, thrown into circumstances that made me rely on God and God alone, and given more clarity on my life's calling. My heart is truly excited for what He has waiting on the horizon. All of this...well, it's only just the beginning.
With love,
Aj
