Normal...

Well, amazingly enough- the ways of Rwanda are becoming my "normal." :)

When I first came to Rwanda, everything was new, everything was powerful- I got the rush that comes when you leave your comfort zone, and take a risk. There was some healthy fear, uncertainty, awe, and I clung to God like never before.

I’ve experienced this kind of thing before when I have gone on “missions trips.” Whether it was one week, or two weeks; there was this overpowering sense of His presence- and a strong reliance on Him. Then, I’d go home and back to what I considered- “normal life” and find a bit of disappointment in it. I do know that not everyone feels this- so I think part of this is God saying he made me to share His love overseas- so that’s pretty cool- but I want the focus to be simply on LIVING His Love, not have it be circumstantial based on where I am. I want the joy to be present wherever my "normal" is.

As time here is passing, I am amazed to find that the things that frustrated me beyond belief when I first came are now expected, yet also- the amazement, the things that brought me such awe- are now becoming somewhat “everyday”…

Rwanda: crazy traffic, beautiful mountains, street children, bicycle taxis carrying refrigerators, more produce being walked up and down the street than you can fathom, sick women in mud huts, laughter, finicky showers, colorful clothes, rice and beans, dusty and rutted streets, abandoned babies, miracles, resourcefulness, dancing, gratitude, singing, thievery, oppression, celebration, prayer- all of this is becoming the fabric of my normal. I wake up each day, expecting the unexpected.

In America, we are given so many opportunities and resources. For this, I am thankful, but also realize that we should have much expected of us, as we can afford to sacrifice.

It gives me some discomfort as I think of my normal back home and how we spend a lot of money in conferences, books, audio-tapes, etc. learning ABOUT living life for Christ. Yet today, in Rwanda, I am surrounded by 12 women who every day rely solely on the Spirit of God, the Bible, and testimonies of their peers to live these same lives- lives of “Doers of the Word.” They amaze me with their persistence, their hope, their love- and their application. I have much to learn from their simplicity- and I need to remember to be thankful for, rather than expect, the opportunities and resources I am given...

In Rwanda, I still have days where the Lord feels so close I can touch His cloak, and days where He feels so far I cry out to heaven… I’m simply living my life, much like you.

Isn’t this the life of a Christian? Whether at home, or far away?- Searching, seeking, finding, risking, questioning, believing, and loving? The things of faith building?

While I am here- 6000 miles away from my “familiar” I pray that when I return to my “American normal” that I still seek out the opportunities right where I am. I guarantee there will be days when I’ll “feel like it” as well as days when I just plain don’t.

I have those same days here.

Same as here- somewhere near me will be a widow who would love a visit, a child who needs a mentor, a friend who appears fine yet is broken on the inside- so many that need to hear and SEE the love of the Father.

As Christians, may everywhere we step be our missions field- the neighborhood, the school, the workplace, the streets. And may we ALL be committed to lifting each other up in prayer over this.

I pray that you who read this are encouraged to make a difference in your sphere of influence, in your “normal” today. ☺

Your support and prayers are so appreciated by me. Thank you.

God Bless You :)