The Village...

My team and I just returned from a three day experience in a little Chiangmai village. We paired up and lived two people to a home. The families welcomed us into their houses and served us non-stop for three days... washing our laundry, taking us to the market, cooking us meals, and so much more! I noticed how our teammates were all calling their house parents their OWN parents. One of the girls would say "My mom braided my hair today!" It was the sweetest thing! Everyday we had the privilege of working along-side the village people in the soy bean farms, spreading fertilizer. In the mornings we would start at about 8am and the fields were absolutely beautiful, covered in fog! It was rough at certain points.. but something I will never forget!

While I was there, I wasn't able to talk with any of my family... or anyone other than my teammates for that matter! And I think God really showed me some things. He showed me that I haven't been as focused on Him as I should be. I've been easily distracted by "what ifs" and ultimately... the future. I realized yesterday, when I was walking through the Village taking pictures that most of my time is spent thinking about what's next. It's like a fairy tale in my head... 24/7. Which, I don't think there's anything wrong with fairy tales. In fact, I think God loves for us to daydream about the things He has in store for us... but what I had to ask myself was "Is it keeping me from drawing nearer to Him?" And I think the answer is yes. Why ARE certain things about my future so fresh in my mind so much of the time? Because they are promises that God has made to me. They are things that I'm excited for... things that I want with everything in my heart. But I think, more than that, I have a hard time trusting God with them. I think I hold on to them so tightly because... ultimately.. I'm afraid that maybe I won't get them. Trust. That's what it all comes down to. Trusting God with the little things.. and the big things. I don't really have a conclusion or an answer, even. But I know this.. God is teaching me that I CAN trust Him. He has things for me that I can't even daydream big enough! All I have to do is relax and enjoy the things that are in front of me right now. Otherwise I will miss out, big time!