Jesus

(This blog was written about 2 weeks ago, but due to lack of Internet it is being posted now) 

It's unbelievable how quickly time passes. Friday marked our first week here at Lake Tanganyika. As I reflect on this week all I can say is wow. So many new experiences, so many new foods, so many names to remember. This week we've spent our mornings in the school here on base. It's a school for orphans and missionary kids. I've had the blessing of working alongside the Grade 2 teacher, helping him with whatever he needs. The start was a little overwhelming and I felt out of place, but God always has a purpose. He was sovereign over wherever I was placed to serve. By the end of the week, I left the school feeling so refreshed by the kids. Their smiles will melt your heart! God's love truly speaks all languages, and its been incredible to see the love of Jesus poured out over the kids.

The title for this blog actually comes from the school. I believe it was Thursday morning, and the teacher began with devotions. They always sing songs and memorize verses about God's love and faithfulness. This devotion was about Abraham, how God blessed him, and how Jesus came from his family many generations later (yes, we did sing Father Abraham....in case you were wondering). At this point the answer to any question was "Jesus" because that typically happens when talking to younger kids. The teacher began to talk about how Jesus has saved people from all over the world. Then he asked a powerful question. He asked the kids why had I come to Africa. Why would I travel half way around the world? Then one small voice in the room says:

Jesus

You got it kid. My heart was instantly tuned back to the true reason for being here. I was amazed at how God could use something so small and simple. Something so ordinary. Isn't that how He normally works though? He chooses and uses the most ordinary people. It's not our talent or our looks or ur speaking ability. It's His grace. It's Jesus. His name can melt stone hearts and raise dead to life. I'm amazed at what He has brought to life in me over these past days. Ephesians 3:20-21 keeps coming to mind when I think of all that has happened

"Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within is, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations."

It's been amazing to get glimpses of the "abundantly more" that God has done throughout the world. As out reaches come in, their stories are incredible. God is truly about the nations, about His glory, and about His people. I'm beginning to see He desires a relationship that is much more personal than I ever thought. The Creator loves and desires His creation. I don't know why He would desire to walk with us, but I don't have to. All I have to know is He is just that good.

Tulemitotela (Thank You Lord)

Bri

Nshima, Dramamine, & Squatty Potties

Mulishani friends!

These have been some of the most eventful days of my life, and half of them have been spent in the air or on the road. I feel like the title sums up the beginning of this journey well. I experienced nshima for the first time on Thursday. Despite the horror stories, I found it quite delightful if eaten in moderation. It’s like mashed potatoes meets sticky rice with the flavor of grits and the consistency of play dough. Yum ;) Really though, nshima and beans was pretty good for my first meal here in Africa.

Dramamine was my best friend for the 16-hour bus ride to Lake Tanganyika. The bus ride really made me feel like I was in Africa. Us Musungus (white people) were quite the buzz when we arrived. It is most likely due to the fact that we were the only Musungus on the bus. The things that set the scene were the venders. No amount of literature can prepare you for that! They had anything from socks to wigs to steering wheels. (Why you need a steering wheel or a wig on a bus? Who knows?). The experience was one for the record books.

All this is of course leading up to the squatty potty, because I’m sure you’re wondering about that by now. After about five hours of traveling, our first stop was a much-needed one. We join the crowd off the bus and get in line for the bathroom (keep in mind its dark outside by now). The line is pretty long for the 10-minute stop, so we see the other bathroom open across the road. For the sake of time, we walk over to them only to find that these bathrooms are a stall with a toilet. Except the toilet is flat….against the ground. Well, there was no turning back. No explanation needed. All of us made it back to the bus in one piece with a good laugh and that’s really what matters :)

We arrived here at the base on Friday morning (yes we left on Tuesday). The jet lag, bus lag, and other lags were all worth it when I got my first look at Lake Tanganyika. I can even see it from my room (how cool is that?). Since arriving I have had some pretty awesome experiences. Kayaking on the lake (yes mom, I really did it), going to market, and church have just been a few. I’m amazed at how much God has done already in my heart through the people here. Cultural walls have been broken down, and a love for God’s global kingdom has been built deep in my heart.

Thanks to Whitney, I’ve been picking up some Bemba. It’s only a few words and phrases, but it’s a start! I can’t begin to thank all the people who made it possible for me to come here. Know that your support and prayer are not in vain; rather they are a huge part of my adventure with Jesus. A glorious adventure with Jesus (badum-tiss….I couldn’t resist). 

Talk to y’all soon

Bri

Introductions

Hi, my name is Bri. And your's is ___________. 

There, now that we are aquainted I can begin to tell you more about what this Glorious Adventure is about :)

The adventure started when I realized that my life is not my own. My eyes were opened to the fact that Jesus was way more important than I thought. I swallowed my pride and went and talked to leaders in my life about what it really looked like to follow Jesus, to believe in Him, and to live for Him. In that moment of giving my life over to Jesus, God saved me from living a wasted life. These past few years have been full of good times and hard times, but life is so much different when you know that God is over all of it. That is why I chose to start this blog (other than the fact that it's a super trendy and cool thing to do......kidding). Really though, I want to use this life God has granted me to make much of Him. So, where is the first stop on this Glorious Adventure? 

Zambia, Africa.

Haha! That's not your average summer after high school huh? That's exactly the point. God has given me a desire to leverage my life for His glory, so that is what I am seeking to do. He opened the door wide open to be a part of this journey, and I am grabbing hold of it and trusting that He will keep His promises. I can't say I'm not scared, but I can say that I have the most incredible sense of peace I have ever had. I'm ready to see how God uses this adventure for His glory and my good. 

I hope you continue to follow my journey through this handy dandy blog. In the meantime, I ask that you would pray for this journey. I can't tell you the power that God has given me because of the prayers of my family and friends. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working (shoutout from James 5:16). I encourage you to be a part of this adventure with me by praying. God not only uses prayer to change others lives, He uses it to change your's too. 

Take off: 3 days.