I'm currently sitting in a hot van, on my way down the windy mountainside. I haven't been able to sit down and right a thoughtful well written blog so please excuse my scattered rambles.
The more we settle into Jamaica the more we have been able to gain valuable relationships in the community. Unlike other mission trips where you come and do a lot of manual labor, we are here for an extended period of time. This gives us the opportunity to truly get to know the community, build relationships and share about Jesus in a way that we would be unable to do with a strict schedule.
This being said, it isn't always easy. Coming from a culture that is very goal oriented, progress driven, and strict with time has created a deeply embedded go go go mentality. It's as though my internal clock is having to be re-wired. This has made it especially difficult at times when we're being called to just sit in relationship, in the presence of God.
I'd love to sit here and right about all the projects we're doing, the check off lists of things we've accomplished. But that isn't the case. What if I told you I saw God deep in the jungle, working in the heart of a young women who needed a word of encouragement and hope? What if I told you one of the greatest bonding moments was a dance party in a kitchen which broke the ice to a new relationship? A first step in beginning to share a hope, the hope of Jesus. What if I told you a simple game of checkers led to learning about a young boys dream of being a teacher?
We can easily get sidetracked, stuck in the busyness of life and can miss God completely. I often think back to the story of Mary and Martha. Even in the direct presence of Jesus, the Messiah Martha was more focused on doing, finishing her task at hand and was about to completely miss an opportunity like no other.
Jesus didn't walk into communities to do do do. He met people where they were at, showing them love and mercy. Sharing with them, learning of their stories and bringing a light of redemption. It may not always be easy to step back and look at the big picture, but when you let go of your own plans, and leave your check off lists at the door God will give you endless opportunities to share of His name.
Don't misinterpret what I am saying, for there is surely a time and place to "do." We work with an after school program weekly, and have begun to do projects when the opportunity arrives. Our desires isn't to swoop in, change a community, and share a few uplifting bible verses. I would rather share about my relationship with Jesus over learning how to make homemade dumplings than distract myself in doing only to feel As though I have personally accomplished something.
From the moment I was accepted on this trip to this very moment I'm a bumpy crazy honking bus I long to give God GLORY. To be real, honest and openly broken with anyone I cross paths with. I pray I will learn to be a little more like Mary daily, able to see opportunities to serve and Worship and put down the broom, laundry and to do lists.
Thank you for the continuous prayers and support!
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