As we walked back to Rafiki after church this morning, I realized how much I'd miss the smell of wood burning miles away. The message today was about how we are the seeds of Gods creation; we have to submerse ourselves into his soil in order to grow. As seeds, if we don't plant ourselves in his grace, the crows can come and kill us before we get a chance to sprout in Gods glory.
The week went by so quick, but the days felt dragged out. At our first night of introductions, the kids looked like they were in so much awe. I saw how much hope the children of Rafiki had in their eyes, every time one of the MOAMs had the floor. After we concluded the first day of activities, I thought to myself "I really have to give my all to these kids." It was inspiring to see so many children looking up to my colleagues and I. It felt good to know Id be sharing the knowledge of the Lord with them. The night leading up to my first devotion was so nerve wrecking for me. The butterflies in my stomach didn't even let me eat breakfast the morning of and walking to the RICE building— my heart was beating out of my chest. However, when I finally got on that stage, the insecurities disappeared. I struggled a bit during my first devotion session, but the next three felt like a breeze. It was my first time ever speaking to a group of people about God and it felt so enlightening. I spoke about some of the different types of strengths and how we can feed them to reach their greatest potential. As I explained spiritual strength to the kids, I realized that it was that strength that allowed me to stand on that stage and present that topic to them. It was spiritual strength that gave me the courage and confidence to spread God’s word to these growing minds. It was His strength that pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and accept the responsibilities that came with this mission trip.
On the plane ride here, I remember worrying about how the kids, the mothers, and the village staff would receive me. I also worried about how I had to challenge myself to be the best leader I can be, but all of those worries are now gone. Now, I just worry about how I am going to say goodbye to them in two weeks. I worry if they will all remember the things Ms.JuJu taught them. I just pray that even if they forget me, I hope they keep God close.
I am looking forward to what this second week has to offer. I know that God will guide my footsteps as I spread His word through out Rafiki. I look to Him for patience and understanding as I lead every sport session, devotion, and G.A.M.E.S. activity. I give Him all of the praise for placing my team and I in Ghana for this mission trip. There aren't enough thank yous for how grateful I am for his grace and gratitude.
-JuJu
M.O.A.M.
GHANA 2018
The week went by so quick, but the days felt dragged out. At our first night of introductions, the kids looked like they were in so much awe. I saw how much hope the children of Rafiki had in their eyes, every time one of the MOAMs had the floor. After we concluded the first day of activities, I thought to myself "I really have to give my all to these kids." It was inspiring to see so many children looking up to my colleagues and I. It felt good to know Id be sharing the knowledge of the Lord with them. The night leading up to my first devotion was so nerve wrecking for me. The butterflies in my stomach didn't even let me eat breakfast the morning of and walking to the RICE building— my heart was beating out of my chest. However, when I finally got on that stage, the insecurities disappeared. I struggled a bit during my first devotion session, but the next three felt like a breeze. It was my first time ever speaking to a group of people about God and it felt so enlightening. I spoke about some of the different types of strengths and how we can feed them to reach their greatest potential. As I explained spiritual strength to the kids, I realized that it was that strength that allowed me to stand on that stage and present that topic to them. It was spiritual strength that gave me the courage and confidence to spread God’s word to these growing minds. It was His strength that pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and accept the responsibilities that came with this mission trip.
On the plane ride here, I remember worrying about how the kids, the mothers, and the village staff would receive me. I also worried about how I had to challenge myself to be the best leader I can be, but all of those worries are now gone. Now, I just worry about how I am going to say goodbye to them in two weeks. I worry if they will all remember the things Ms.JuJu taught them. I just pray that even if they forget me, I hope they keep God close.
I am looking forward to what this second week has to offer. I know that God will guide my footsteps as I spread His word through out Rafiki. I look to Him for patience and understanding as I lead every sport session, devotion, and G.A.M.E.S. activity. I give Him all of the praise for placing my team and I in Ghana for this mission trip. There aren't enough thank yous for how grateful I am for his grace and gratitude.
-JuJu
M.O.A.M.
GHANA 2018
