It has been a couple of weeks since we got back from Arizona, so I have had some time to reflect back on everything that happened, everything we experienced, and what I came away with. Here are a few of my observations:
1) We had an incredible team. 14 people that were so diverse and unique, and we all got along. There was little to no conflict, and we worked together so well every day to accomplish amazing tasks as work, and to be Jesus for those kids. I am proud to have been a part of that team.
2) There is so much of society that flies under the radar. We spent a week in a small part of the country that has been largely ignored, but in reality, we could have gone only ten minutes into the city and we would have also been in an area that is largely ignored. I think I have realized that while I cannot spend several weeks doing mission work offsite, there is so much opportunity just within our community. I have made it a goal that we are going to be doing much more service as part of our HSM small group. In fact, I have already started moving in that direction.
3) I went there expecting to see miracles happen. And in that, I was disappointed. For you see, the miracle that happened was not external to us. We didn't see God's hand moving. Instead, we were being God's hand. And it felt natural, easy. When we are in line with God's will, it is like leaving the shore and just flowing down the river current. If we just stop fighting it and relax, it can be quite a ride. And I am sure that there are rapids and waterfalls and such, but wow! What a ride that can be!
Anyway, I learned what I think is the point: we are supposed to be God's hand. I mean sure, there are lots of times when we have to rely on God stepping in and working things beyond what we can do. And we can't forget that it is all Him working through us. But being God's hand, and being like Jesus to those around us, that is what we are supposed to do.
We are God's children, after all. And I think He may get more satisfaction from seeing His kids demonstrate what they have learned and loving like Him than when He has to do it all Himself. As parents, don't we like that more? Aren't we proud of the kids when they show what they can do with their learning? My son just graduated from high school, and I can attest that I was super-proud that he did the work, even though I know I could have done that work, too.
4) I was just reading through my list of cool quotes and stuff that I have been collecting through the years, and I came across this one:--"It only takes a single point of light in a dark night sky to lead the lost wanderer back home." It struck me that we were being single points of light in the midst of a dark night sky on the reservation. And Kara and Tory of 3:18 Ministries are there as spotlights all of the time. It really did seem like we were doing so little compared to what really needs to happen there. But I know that God was using us, and I can only hope that we have helped lead some of the kids from the darkness.
That's it for the Arizona trip blogs. Have a great night, and thanks for reading!
2 comments:
Thanks for sharing!! I loved being able to read and get someone else's reactions and view of the trip.
I enjoyed reading your experiences on your AZ trip! The song of the day and what you learned were great to read also! Mission Trips really change your outlook on the people of the world and even in our own country! I went to help with Katrina and even the poor people down in LA are a different culture. You will always remember this time! Thanks for sharing your trip!
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