*This post is part of a 6-part series in which I show you my weekly reflections during the 6-week mission trip. I'll be releasing one part every week so check back often if you would like to relive my trip with me!
W E E K 2 : J U N E 2 6 ~ J U L Y 2
Week 2! Check! Honestly, this week was a lil more rough for me spiritually. I think that comes from being in a new environment also. IDK, there were just many times I felt disappointed. Sometimes, a lot of times, I felt that I was unable to show the students who God is. I felt it was really hard to find an angle through which I could fit the gospel in and so, ngl, I would feel like throwing in the towel. Or I would question my purpose on the team. Like "God, why'd you bring me here if I'm not accomplishing anything?" And seeing all the prayers to receive Christ (PRC) was really cool and exciting. Really, it was. But, on the other hand, it also gave me lotsa insecurities. Like, is it because I'm not good enough that I'm not able to lead anyone to a PRC? Thoughts like that.
BUT! I also felt overwhelmingly encouraged and reminded that just because I'm not seeing any PRCs from my encounters, doesn't mean I'm not successful. I was reminded by one of my teammates that God's definition of success is when we take that step of faith to do His good work. So in God's eyes, I'm already successful, and that did a lot for my mindset.
And TBH this week was not all that bad. There were also many good things that happened and that I'm so grateful for. For example, I led a Bible study with one of my follow-ups! Honestly, I didn't think it was gonna happen cuz they had something come up and it was really hard to reschedule cuz they were so busy with exams. But we finally found time at 8 am one morning to do it. I felt really bad for making them wake up so early but they were really willing to, which encouraged me so much. They also gave us postcards which was so sweet. The actual Bible study went well too! We went through the book of John and I asked them to read aloud the passages and explain it to me in their own words. And they got most of the themes spot on! They weren't ready for a PRC yet but that's OK! I'm just glad we were able to give them exposure to the Bible.
Some of my other new friends took us to a local scenic area and I had so much fun! It was a beautiful area and they bought us so much food. Honestly I didn't know if we would be able to sit down and really share the gospel, but thankfully we had time to sit down and we shared the gospel while eating. They also weren't ready to accept yet, but I'm just grateful for the time we were able to share with them.
Lastly, my team. I am beyond grateful for my loves! They encourage me so much, whether they know it or not. I love all the times we get together as a team and just talk about our feelings or anything at all really. One of my teammates mentioned that his fave part about the team is that we are always laughing, and I totally agree! The laughter just feels so good and I really feel God's love when I'm with them. They are definitely sunshines in my life!! To my huddle, if any of you are reading this, know that you are one of my biggest blessings! Week 3 here we come!!
~jo