A typical day on the race is hard to describe because every country and every month looks vastly different because God is constantly moving and your perspective is constantly changing with each ministry, each interaction, each experience. So here is a a preview of a typical day on the race in Heildberg South Africa in month 10 of my race. Each morning I wake up to Jesus warming me up with the sunrise. He warms my heart as he tells me I am beloved and causes my lips to part into a beautiful smile that he has been waiting to see while I was sleeping. After singing and dancing with him I get to walk to ministry amongst the mountains, creeks, and railroad tracks enjoying his creations as I anticipate what lies ahead. Ministry is never what is expected. You can create all the schedules in the world, but it won’t suffice. God always has a better plan. I used to plan everything, but while on the race God has taught me to stop asking for a straight path because that isn’t what I want. I would get bored and wander off so he has made himself a mountain for me with endless opportunities and unexpected adventures. And on the race I am surrounded by a community with a yes spirit ready for the ever-changing path we call life. Yesterday we showed up for Bible college and they were like actually we just want to hear your stores and share our stories with you and tell you how loved you are. The day before we showed up to paint all day and they had a cookout for us at lunch and afterward took us shopping.
And the day before that they said let’s take a break and play gumpy ( like four square game). On weekend they want to show us their beautiful country so they take us onto excursions and make sure they are well feed. The hospitality of this small town is hard to beat Yes work gets done, but not without taking time to savor the moment and acknowledge the people you are working alongside. After a sunset workout or run with those willing haha a cold or hot shower is waiting for you. The bathroom is shared among 12 girls so you never know what you are gonna get. However, someone is willing to make you hot chocolate, a fire or tea to warm you up or better yet they are there wanting to embrace you and share their physical warmth.
Team time and squad time movie pic below:)
Dinner time is always wild 2 teams cooking in one kitchen for 15 people. Run electricity and hot water at the same time and you may end up cooking in the dark. While cooking yesterday, one girl cut her finger, but another quickly played doctor while another stepped in to take her place. The race takes stressful moments and makes them seem like everyday situations because endless grace is extended. There is no normal; no smooth flow, so why pretend like there is one. Night is filled with goodnight hugs and I love yous. Not every month has been as sweet as this, but I believe God has brought us here to fill before we go home. Why? Because he cares and he wants us to remember the most important thing we were created to be loved by love himself.
i love how GOD is holding you during this time to sit awhile and be reminded of His love. to slow down to fill up as well as to savor and enjoy each other as HE prepares you for more adventures to multiply and share this love and fellowship
Ellie! you have captured the tenderness of our time here so beautifully! thank you thank you!
Thank you for sharing Lizzy. So glad to hear the Lord is watching over you.
Beautiful way to describe faith, especially your story of planning/scheduling in a 3rd world country.
Ellie! Your “waking up to Jesus” is my favorite visual of this blog! I love your description of being warmed by Him with the sunrise…..
Nothing is better than the knowledge of His love for you. I’m proud of how you are walking in dependence of Him and actually thriving in it!
I’m also glad to hear how hospitable the community you are in, has been, and how they are blessing you as much as you are a blessing to them.
It sounds like a sweet segment of the Race.
This post makes me smile and feel some of that warmth and love you describe, Izzie! I felt all toasty inside while I read this, especially when I saw that fireplace spreading physical warmth among you, too. This was so nice to read, like a breath of fresh air! I, too, love your description of how you wake up every morning. Jesus, loves us, this we know. We can never lose His love, ’cause our Lord from up above, never ever will stop loving us!
Awhhh you read my blog. That means so much i love you!
You and Marty would thrive in a community like this one. I can see you cultivating one like this in the states.
Thanks and this past week i actually got to each in their Christian private school here!!
Learning to trust him with my plans has relieved so much stress in my life. I sleep better at night now because of it.
And God is watching over you too while I’m gone and keeping our relationship strong which I love.
That’s wild you say that because I’ve had lots of visions of him embracing me lately and Megan telling me I’m his bride.
I know all your friends near and far and your family are all so proud of your fantastic journey. . Thank you for carrying out Gods’ will. Sending more blessings and good wishes for a beautiful encounter. Jan, Hughs’ wife