As we Global Challengers continue on in our training all I can do is stop and sit in silence...
I didn't know that so much could happen in such a small amount of time. That I could experience these emotions or could be challenged so quickly physically and spiritually. As I arrived in Jeffrey's Bay tired and without a bag I really didn't know what i was stepping into. During these couple of weeks we have done several things, all in which have stretched me in some way.
We have done a local challenge which entailed, hitchhiking, playing with local kids, sanding a fence, and racing from one place to the next. We have been out in the bush, which really challenged me. In the bush we left our bags and wore the same outfit those three days, we built our own shelter out of trees and what not, we did challenges for food, and even slaughtered a chicken for food. Being an American, you don't usually do these type of things. :) but you really get to know your team well, as you sleep very closely! Now in training we are hearing teachings and being stretched spiritually, being sent out to witness to the people of Jeffrey's bay. All these things may not sound like much but here is where I have been stretched.
God has broken me. I came here believing that I had things together, that I was ready to witness and bring Jesus to everyone. But being here I lay broken before my God, I need Him so desperately. I have become so aware of the places in my heart that I still need Him to come and heal. The sin in my life like becoming irritated, or putting on masks and not being truly honest. Or simply the lies that I believe. These things are all brokenness. So here I am God... whatever this process may be of becoming the free daughter, the beloved, that you see me as... I am all in.
Here is my Creed:
I am a free One. I sit in Freedom, i walk in Freedom, I run in Freedom, and i soar in Freedom.
Every part of me, who I am and all that my life is, was thought of in detail before the very creation of this very earth. I am chosen. I was appointed and chosen, me and all that I am to be a child of the most High God, the only GOD.
I am a child of light; darkness cannot have it's way with me because the light of God is within me. I am alone God's.
I have been called, chosen, appointed, for this very time, for this very moment. My Dad, my God, my Best Friend, my eternal Lover is the God of all things. He calls me by name, He calls me Beloved. I am not the world's beloved and not anyone elses but I am His very own Beloved.
I am one with an awesome and mighty future, with a hope that surpasses all hope, with a calling that surpasses all callings. I am HIS.
I am HIS FREE BELOVED ONE. I am Thandie.
I am still in the process of believing this truth but in this journey I pray that I will come out knowing this with everything in me. May you also know His truth and may He break you in every area until you are laying before Him in utter dependance.
Please be in prayer as my team still needs to raise around $20,000 for all of us to go. We are also waiting for visas to come in. We are believing in faith for God to provide! It is so incredible how God has already began to mold Explore Africa 2013 together, we are pretty much the best team in the world already :). We are all very similar but very different. Our goal is be open and honest with eachother in everything. Which is hard on my part but God is changing me. It will be a great year! Blessings on you this day...
May God truly take every part of you and may you know His love!
Until we meet again,
Thandie
Explore Africa 2013
