Recently, I had a few people ask me why I didn't blog more, or something along those lines. In all honesty, I think it was because I felt like there was nothing in my life to blog about. I'm settling into South Africa, slowly getting to know people, nothing too exciting or different to tell people, blah blah blah. In short, I simply couldn't think of any stories to tell people.
In addition to that, I was starting to get discouraged. I hadn't made any friends who I could share Jesus and His love with. Don't get me wrong...I've made friends since arriving (a surprising number actually, many of whom have very graciously taken me under their wing and helped me in various ways), but none who aren't already Christians.
On one hand, I was slightly okay with that. I'm in Durban for two reasons, and the first is to help Christian women in South Africa to see the need to reach out to those around them who are blinded to the truth about Jesus. So in one sense, I could almost justify not really developing any relationships with those who aren't already believers. But it also seems extremely hypocritical to be telling other people that they need to be reaching out more when I'm not doing it myself. And it's also the second reason why I'm here - to tell other people about Jesus and what He has done for them. Which is why my biggest prayer lately has been for God to give me a friend who isn't a Christian.
Today God answered that prayer request. A colleague of mine had dropped me off at Shaista's house while he visited another friend. I've met Shaista before, but never on my own, and it was more like I had tagged along before rather than actually building a relationship. Anyways, he dropped me off and told me to let him know when I wanted to be picked up, both of us assuming it would be about an hour, maybe two at the most.
Shaista graciously welcomed me in and offered me tea while I held her newborn daughter. In fact for the next two hours, I feel like I got a crash course on babies and taking care of them. After a bit, I could tell that Shaista was getting tired (she has a newborn after all) so I messaged my colleague, he said he would be there shortly, and I waited for him. And waited. And waited some more. Eventually I phoned him and heard that his car had been "misplaced". Long story short I ended up staying at Shaista's house for over six hours while everything was being sorted out. And at the end of the day I have a new friend.
I'll admit that it was a longer day today than expected. But it was so good. And I wouldn't change a thing. There was no way that I could have planned the experience that I did today, and I'm glad that my friend had the car problem that he did. Spending the afternoon/evening with Shaista confirmed to me that God has called me to this specific place to do this specific ministry.
I know that I've said it before, and I'll probably say it again in the future, but God is sooo good. And so awesome. And once again He has shown me that He is in control of every situation. Even car problems.
In addition to that, I was starting to get discouraged. I hadn't made any friends who I could share Jesus and His love with. Don't get me wrong...I've made friends since arriving (a surprising number actually, many of whom have very graciously taken me under their wing and helped me in various ways), but none who aren't already Christians.
On one hand, I was slightly okay with that. I'm in Durban for two reasons, and the first is to help Christian women in South Africa to see the need to reach out to those around them who are blinded to the truth about Jesus. So in one sense, I could almost justify not really developing any relationships with those who aren't already believers. But it also seems extremely hypocritical to be telling other people that they need to be reaching out more when I'm not doing it myself. And it's also the second reason why I'm here - to tell other people about Jesus and what He has done for them. Which is why my biggest prayer lately has been for God to give me a friend who isn't a Christian.
Today God answered that prayer request. A colleague of mine had dropped me off at Shaista's house while he visited another friend. I've met Shaista before, but never on my own, and it was more like I had tagged along before rather than actually building a relationship. Anyways, he dropped me off and told me to let him know when I wanted to be picked up, both of us assuming it would be about an hour, maybe two at the most.
Shaista graciously welcomed me in and offered me tea while I held her newborn daughter. In fact for the next two hours, I feel like I got a crash course on babies and taking care of them. After a bit, I could tell that Shaista was getting tired (she has a newborn after all) so I messaged my colleague, he said he would be there shortly, and I waited for him. And waited. And waited some more. Eventually I phoned him and heard that his car had been "misplaced". Long story short I ended up staying at Shaista's house for over six hours while everything was being sorted out. And at the end of the day I have a new friend.
I'll admit that it was a longer day today than expected. But it was so good. And I wouldn't change a thing. There was no way that I could have planned the experience that I did today, and I'm glad that my friend had the car problem that he did. Spending the afternoon/evening with Shaista confirmed to me that God has called me to this specific place to do this specific ministry.
I know that I've said it before, and I'll probably say it again in the future, but God is sooo good. And so awesome. And once again He has shown me that He is in control of every situation. Even car problems.
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