Reflecting on the Past

Tomorrow marks my half way point...I'm at a loss for words. I feel like I have never encountered and experienced so much in my life more than I have here, in just THREE months! It's hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that I arrived here on January 6th and spent a month in South Africa, sailed for two weeks and stayed in Cape Town for a little and have three months left in Sierra Leone. I am so thankful and beyond blessed to have been kept healthy and safe. I asked myself recently what have I learned thus far? Thought I'd share with you :)

1. The importance of stillness and silence. As a child, well, more like till the day before I left for this trip, my mother would ALWAYS annoyingly say to me, "Claire slow down! You are always in a rush! Stop and count to ten." Yes, it frustrated me but now I hate to say it but, she was right. HA Can't believe I just admitted that..I must be getting sick.

It's true though, there's something about just taking a minute whether in prayer or just sitting. In 1 Timothy it says, "We were called to lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity." How can we hear the gentle voice of God when here in Africa its over populated, people going non-stop, horns never to be silent.

"Do not adorn yourselves outwardly by braiding your hair, and by wearing gold ornaments or fine clothing; rather, let your adornment be the inner self with the lasting beauty of a GENTLE and QUIET spirit, which is very precious in God's sight." 1 Peter 3:3-4

2. How hungry and thirsty people are to feel loved yet, no matter the circumstance they will rejoice and be joyful. The living conditions here are so much worse than I expected and do they complain? No. It's humbling to interact with the people here and I just wish that half of their joy would rub off on me. I love this country and know the Lord is at work.

3. Blessed to live in Charlotte, NC. Beyond blessed that I have a Father and Mother who love God and each other. Beyond blessed that I have such great relationships with my older brother, Kyle and my younger sister, Emily.

4. "I want to go as far away from you as possible and I won't even miss you!!" Yep, this is what I would shout to my parents while we would be in the middle of an argument for something that was my fault. I suppose Africa is far enough..and ummmm I miss my family like crazy. Haha it's funny looking back now and realizing that God was at work then and still is now. Mom, correct me if I'm wrong but, I'm pretty sure we send at least 5 emails throughout the week and I call once a week. It makes my day when my Dad calls the front desk not knowing if I'm working or not and I say, "Africa Mercy. This is reception. How may I help you?" "Claire?" he says. Haha :)

5. I LOVE to read & discovered that here. My friends call me the book worm. Kyle used to always tell me that I could never read...it took time yet, feels so good to get back into his face!

6. THANKFUL. I have more than enough to be thankful for. I'm overwhelmed.

7. I love mangoes and the art in which you cut them to eat! SO fun! Oh, and the pineapple here is UNBELIEVABLE!

What's to come...

I just got involved in a small group and we'll be going through the Beth Moore "Loving Well" bible study! Also, next week I have the opportunity to watch a surgery!! And as usual more roommates leaving and more coming, its never ending.

Thats all for now friends :) Happy half-way!