Captivated

Belize was wonderful! Words cannot describe just how beautiful the country and it's people are. Our hosts, the Armstrongs, treated us like family. The community welcomed us with open arms. Our trip leaders were amazingly patient in dealing with us. ;) The worship and fellowship with the other teams was so incredibly good for the soul. It was more than evident that the Lord was hard at work last week. I have been completely captivated by this entire experience. My mind is flooded day and night with scenes, faces and conversations from my week in Belize.

We were sent to Belize to share the gospel, and we did! We shared with families in their homes. We shared with over 100 children each day at vacation Bible school. We shared with nursing home patients and preschool children. We shared with community workers and people on the street. But the Belizeans were not the only ones with whom the gospel was being shared. Many of their lives were a beautiful picture of the gospel in action.

I knew going into this trip that it would most likely rock my world, at least a little. I already thought I knew some of the ways God was nudging me and how that would play into the trip. I expected overwhelming reminders to be content with what I have, or even less (especially after reading 7!). I expected to show my 14 year old just how "lucky" he is. However, I came away with something far greater! I came away with far more questions than answers. Some of these questions I will surely wrestle with for awhile before I understand just how He desires me to respond.

Shortly before I left for Belize I was certain that I would either love Belize so much I couldn't leave, or I would be so miserable there that I couldn't wait to get home. Boy was I ever wrong with both of those options. I'm not sure I can explain, but I loved Belize SO much, I had to come home to even be able to sort through my thoughts.

I came home from Belize with my eyes opened to just how far away I am from where the Lord desires to move me. Not in a guilt laden, shameful way. Quite the contrary! In a way that reminded me God loves me and has plans for me. In a way that made it abundantly clear that as long as I remain willing, He will continue moving me. Without Belize I don't know if I would have ever been so still and sought Him so fiercely. Without the people I met along the way I don't think God could have ever shown me just what it is I am missing. Without Pastor Armstrong's encouragement and words about joy, I might have missed it all.

I know without a doubt that one of the (many) reasons God sent me to Belize was to introduce me to people who understand joy. To allow me experience joy with them. To break my heart for people who don't know this joy, who don't have this connection with God who is the source of all joy. I feel my heart being pulled in what feels like a thousand directions. I look forward to the days, weeks and months to come as God helps me sort out all of these thoughts and feelings. I look forward to continuing to become more and more connected with God and experiencing His joy. I look forward to sharing His joy with all of those around me.

FYI... If you would like more details about the actual trip and to see and discuss more pictures, let's do coffee!!!