Since arriving back at home 3 days ago I have realized that it is definitely not what I was prepared for. Even after reading a book on re-entry, which is all about the things to expect and not expect when coming home from the mission field, so that you can prepare yourself for what is to come still didn’t prepare me enough for what you walk into.
A lot has happened over the past 2 months, not just in my life, but also in the lives that I am used to being surrounded by. I have realized since being home how comfortable of a life I used to live. Something that I am not proud of and I never want to live a comfortable life again. Living in a third world country has opened my eyes to see the things that I have taken for granted. I lived a comfortable life until I was put into a third world country where, my situation changed to the extreme.
I lived out of my suitcase for 2 months, sleep on a 2 inch mat, lived with 40 other people in one house sharing one bathroom, hand washed my clothes, walked everywhere to ministry, and every moment I was living and breathing the uncomfortable life that I was called to live. All those things that I listed may not sound like a big deal to you but it is when you are coming from America where life is mostly comfortable.
The first week that I was in Africa, we had a session on Surrender and it changed my life. A good definition of surrender would be: to give oneself up, as into the power of another: submit or yield.
WHY? Did it change my life!!!!!!! The lord spoke to me about surrendering your whole life to him, which includes not just the things you are OK and comfortable with giving him but even things that are UNCOMFORTABLE to see let go into someone else’s HANDS. For me that was my LIFE (being a missionary in AFRICA a place where I feel called to do ministry). Even though I may be called out to the nations I learned that still my life has to be in his HANDS and that I cannot do it on my own understanding, but Philippians 4:13 says I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I cannot do all things but THROUGH CHRIST who strengthens me I CAN.
I bring this all up because, now that I am back at home for awhile I have to give the LORD my life even when I am here where it may seem comfortable for me, where I have a bed to sleep on, food to eat, water to drink, closet for my clothes, car to drive, and the list can go on forever. When at home I never worry about those things because I am used to always just having them to where as being in another country you don’t JUST have them but you depend on the LORD for everything. But that is my life no matter where I am here or there I need to surrender – submit and yield to the LORD, Jeremiah 29:11 says, For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. I
I might not know exactly where my life is going in a couple months but because I am surrendering it to the LORD I have no need to worry because of what JEREMIAH 29:11 says.
Just a pic of what ALASKA looks like right now for all of my team back in Swaziland to see what I came back to. SNOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
my car with the first real first snow fall this year ( real meaning actually staying on the ground) I LOVE YOU TEAM SWAZI
Aubs, great to hear lessons learned. Praying for you during this time at home. Enjoy the snow! Wish we had it here in Georgia.
Great to have you back for a bit! Luv ya aubs!!!
GIRL!!!! AHHH i cant believe those pictures! its freaking snowing where you are!!! AHH i miss you soo incredibly much, Swazi is awesome, i love it here. I cant wait for us to come back in January. The homestead lifestyle is a bit crazy, but its amazing. I miss you and wish you were back with us! how is your knee??
First, I love you. Second, I miss you. Third, I am soooooooooo jealous that you have snow! LOL (but of course, you’re in Alaska!) I miss you. When o when will I see you again dearest Aubrey? I miss coming home to you and our other bunkmates each day! Email me, lemme know how you are doing!