I am currently homesick and not happy, but I am trying to remember that God calling me to South Africa is not about me, but about Him, doing work for His kingdom, and bringing Him glory. “Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” -1 Corinthians 10:31 There are three stages of culture shock, the first one being the Honeymoon stage. The second one is called Loneliness in the Valley and I think immediately went to this one. Happiness is fleeting but there is an eternal joy that we have through Jesus Christ. Orientation was very challenging because we were not allowed to have contact with anyone in the States. I was very homesick, but God used that challenge to bring me closer to HIM! My entire life became a prayer walk and I spent time with Him several times a day, because I had to rely on Him. I am realizing how stubborn His children can be. Why does it take Him bringing us to our knees through trials for us to realize how much we need Him? I am now in Mafikeng and getting settled in with my missionaries. I am tired all of the time and EXTREMELY homesick, but God is blessing me with little moments of joy, such as feeding a Giraffe, watching FIVE people get saved at youth group, laughing about the strangest things with my partner, and hearing interesting stories from my supervisors. God uses these moments to remind me why I am here and to refresh my spirit. Trials are temporary, but God’s love is eternal, and God shows us His love through Jesus Christ, through drawing us near to Him when we are tempted, and in many other ways.
“Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough troubles of its own.” –Matthew 6:34
“Be wise in the way that you act towards outsiders. Make the most of every opportunity.” –Colossians 4:5
“Look at the nations and watch and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your day that you would not believe even if you were told.” –Habakkuk 1:5
Pressing On,
Amanda
Monday, February 1, 2010
Hello from South Africa!
Posted by Amanda at 10:36 AM
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2 comments:
Amanda,
Thank you for being willing to go through hardship for the Lord. Sometimes He calls us to endure trials for His cause, but I still don't like to hear that you are unhappy over there. I believe He is able to take away your loneliness and will be praying for that. Camp Pinnacle this summer would not have meant quite as much to me if I hadn't had my first few days of miserably begging God to let me go home. I believe that He will use this time to accomplish something AMAZING in you and through you. Maybe at the end, you'll see why. Or maybe not. Who knows. Please don't lose heart dear. Don't let your feelings get in your line of vision! You are in the center of His will and I believe He will give you joy in that. "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning." Praying that the morning comes soon for you sister!
Joanne
Dear Amanda,
It is so good to read a post from you. You have been in my thoughts and prayers. In my experience, the only thing that belps being homesick is being too busy to think about it for very long. I hope you stay busy... but not so busy that you are exhausted! I love you my sister in Christ.
"In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
- Philippians 1:4-6
I also pray with joy for you because I have faith that the Lord is carrying out His "good work" in you and through you.
Love,
Kayla Fowler
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