It has been a little over a year (I know, it’s crazy) since I left the States for Eswatini (Swaziland). Here is a glimpse of what God has been teaching me these last 365+ days.
Short answer: It was life-changing. It radically changed the way I see Jesus and serve not only others, but Him. The entire trip helped me to see how much I need Jesus, I learned that only He satisfies; I experienced His fullness & “Yada” love in Swazi.
Long answer: (and the answer you’ll want to read) 😉 The people & culture of Eswatini have shaped my character, my confidence, and the way I view and value relationships. I learned to hold fast to my word and promises, because, heck, those girls can recall something you promised them MONTHS ago that simply slipped your mind, and they’ll still expect you to fulfill. I witnessed demon possession and oppression myself for the first time. I learned more about the power of my God. How He protects and shields. I discovered that my faith must be mine. Not anyone else’s. I have to choose Jesus daily, take up my cross, endure suffering, count it all joy, DAILY. I learned how to not waste my life. I’ve spent too many years wasting precious time. Time I could have spent loving more and hating less, forgiving instead of holding a grudge, speaking out instead of going with the crowd, serving instead of self-serving. Too many years of bending to the world, saying “yes” to sin, worrying and planning instead of praying and trusting. I was living for me last August. This year, I’m living for Jesus. “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” God revealed things to me about myself I never took the initiative to look at myself. My pride, my selfishness and my need to take control. God shook me in Eswatini. He showed me my great wealth in Him. I have hope. I know who satisfies. I’m not alone. Even when so far from family, I felt at peace with the one who was always beside me. I felt at home. I finally understood what it was like to have a deep, intimate relationship with Jesus. At the beginning of my time here I shared that I didn’t know why God brought me here. I didn’t see the eternal impact I was making. That’s where I went wrong. I was only thinking about me; what I could do. I learned that I can do nothing apart from the Holy Spirit. Without God already at work around me. I didn’t make an eternal impact, but the Holy Spirit did, and part of me thinks that impact took place in me. The Holy Spirit had an eternal impact on me. If this was all for my Spirit’s growth and a Yada relationship with you LORD; thank you. It was so worth it. God pulled me from family & friends and comfort. He pushed me to love even when it’s hard, even when you don’t feel loved back. He showed me just how badly I need Him, how badly I now crave Him. All glory be to the One who calls me to follow Him, serve Him, and worship Him.
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