Team Kenya

I applied for my passport, and things are starting to sink in that in four and a half months I will be leaving for Kenya. I'm so not looking forward to immunizations and the headache that is supposed to follow the yellow fever one. Challenges are beginning to show themselves regularly which further affirms that we are meant to go. I thought I wouldn't think of Kenya every single day until closer to us leaving. I couldn't have been any more WRONG! My heart is consumed with Kenya, my team and the way my heart is changing.

Everything I Learned about Christianity, I Learned from Starbucks

Ok...not literally, but let me elaborate. I brag on Starbucks' customer service skills daily. I use the baristas as examples on how to brighten someone's day. In 24 hours, I have consumed over 60 ounces of coffee (yes I have an addiction), but the last couple of days I have felt nostalgic (and jittery). We as Christian's could take a few lessons from these shiny happy people that make my heart swell.

Everyday is a good day at Starbucks. They welcome you into a warm, cozy environment and provide you with exactly what you need. They don't ask questions, and are more than happy to offer encouragement and suggestions for trying something new. If they see you look more tired than usual, they offer a complimentary shot of espresso. Starbucks associates are part of a "team" in a way such that they flow together like a well oiled machine. They express true koinonia by sharing all monetary tips. This last one is a big one: they memorize your name and face and make you feel like they are on a mission specifically for you.

Last night I had the opportunity to have church with some divine people on the patio of a Starbucks and couldn't help but notice the parallelism. Sometimes I feel disappointed because we lack the service aspect more often than not. Church can happen anywhere. Jesus could be the owner of Starbucks, or a barista, or a bum begging for spare change for a cup of joe. Service and community...and Starbucks is where it's at.

I pray that God gives me the capability to be a person with a heart of service and community on a daily basis and gives me frequent epiphanies on how to brighten someone's day simply by glorifying God.

What I've Overcome

I'm sure most people could write a blog with the same content as this one. We could all talk about the struggles and hardships our lives have brought us and how they mold us into who we are as individuals. One thing that may differ between us: God. I am changed and have overcome extreme obstacles in my life only from the grace of God. He has changed me. I am new. I praise Him even when the rain is pouring down. Praise during turmoil is the one main thing that has changed my life completely. I talk to Jesus more than my husband or my children. The more I listen, the more He talks.

I still face defeat. I still face the chance of falling. I do know this; every time I fall, I am picked up more quickly than the last time. I am thankful to serve a loving God that treasures me and has plans for me.

My plans are big, and I have always known this. Now is the time I become the hands and feet of Jesus. I was made to be a servant. Please pray that my eyes and heart remain open along the way of my faithful walk with Jesus wherever it is that He leads me to go.