Two weeks ago I arrived in Tanzania for the outreach portion of my DTS. We will be traveling to three different YWAM bases within the country. We’ve already stayed at the base in Dar Es Salaam and just a few days ago moved to Arusha. I will be here in Arusha for a little over three weeks. The last stop is YWAM Kilimanjaro.
Adjusting to life here has been a very difficult for me, and each base has proven to have its own challenges. Just a few of the challenges for me have been: no running water, bucket showers, eastern toilets, very little internet access, hand washing clothes, major dietary changes, and such a simple lifestyle in general.
But God has really been using this time to shape my character and teach me more about myself and who He desires me to be in Him. One of the biggest lessons I’ve been learning is to praise God and thank Him for everything and in every circumstance.
These are just a few praises I’ve had in the past couple of days:
God, I praise you during this time of illness because in my weakness I am made strong.
God, thank you for no running water because through this I am able to experience a different way of life.
God, I praise you when I haven’t slept in a month because I’m learning to rely on your strength alone.
God, I thank you for stretching my limits so that I am able to become more like you.
God, I praise you during 10 hour bus rides in 100 degree heat because your joy has consumed my heart.
God, I thank you that you never fail to show up to encourage and strengthen me when I feel like I’m going to completely fall apart.
A lifestyle of praise and thanksgiving can be hard to cultivate, but as I started to do it, my whole outlook on life changed. More than ever, I’ve begun to see things as God sees them. It seemed easy to sit at home in my comfortable lifestyle and mourn for the poverty and destruction happening across the world. But it’s completely different to be immersed in it. I will never be able to look at life the same. God has really opened my eyes to see His heart – in all of its sorrow, joy and love.
This next week I will be staying with the Maasai tribe from Tuesday until Sunday. It will, again, be completely different than anything I’ve experienced so far.
This is a verse I’ve been reading a lot lately, and have just fallen in love with.
One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,
To gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.
Mungu awa bariki. (God Bless You)
