Ten days into Africa we are nearing the end of our trip. I have been trying my best not to focus on that but rather giving my all every day in every moment. There have been many times where my flesh has been winning but I would like to think none where I let it win completely. I have needed the help of my friends and leaders to pull me out of some hard moments and I am grateful that they have. I am excited to push myself and try to give every aspect of myself to the rest of this trip. I do not want to return home with regret. I want to return home having established new, strong, and faithfully rooted relationships with our cooperatives around the world.
Our group faced a challenging moment of truth last night. If we were to follow our original schedule we would have left this morning as a whole team for a church visit very early. We arrived back at our lodging last night late. Based on our endurance depleting, it was determined we shouldn’t go to the church visit. Our group has been depleting in our stamina and has been characterized by a spirit of tiredness. We collectively have been struggling to stay awake and present in church services and Bible studies. Though it makes me sad and frustrated I completely understand the decision and I am grateful for others’ discernment and leadership. I pray that our group can use this long night’s sleep as a reset and that we can give our whole selves to the remaining part of our trip.
Going into the rest of this trip I want to give all of myself. I want to know that I gave everything within my capacity to give and that that would be enough. I do not want to reserve anything for myself for I can rest for myself when I return home. Now is time to work.