overflowing.

Overflowing. 

That’s the only word I can use to describe my first week at training camp. I am overflowing with peace only found in Jesus. Overflowing with praise for the one true King. Overflowing with gratitude for things I never imagined I would be grateful for. In the midst of struggle and ultimate sacrifice I have found so many things to be thankful for. 

I thank the Lord for the shower I took today. Even though it was a bucket shower (literally just a bucket of water and a jug) I am so grateful for it because I haven’t been able to shower in 4 days. I know it sounds gross, and it is gross, but the waiting makes the shower so much better. I am thankful for ice water. I know that sounds silly but I genuinely haven’t had ice cold water since I left home. I never imagined ice being a luxury good. And that honestly makes me sad. I have taken so many things for granted and I never realized it until I got to training camp.

I thank God that my tent hasn’t flooded. There was a storm yesterday and I was almost certain that my tent with all my stuff in it would be flooded. When I went to go check on it after the storm, it was sitting in a puddle of water, but nothing on the inside was wet. Praise the Lord!!

I am thankful for the post office. I accidentally left my yellow fever vaccination card at my house 6 hours away from where I am now. If you don’t know what yellow fever is, it’s a disease found in Africa so you need proof of the vaccine to get into the country. My parents were luckily able to ship the vaccination card to me. 

Thank you Jesus for the things I never knew I would be thankful for. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” It doesn’t say only give thanks in comfortable situations. It says to give thanks in ALL circumstances, even the uncomfortable. Even when you’re sleeping in a hot tent, going to the bathroom in porta potties, and showering out of a bucket of water once a week. I am overflowing with love and gratitude and joy for the Lord and I cannot wait to share that with the people in all the nations.