It is done. I realize these are strange words to summarize the beginning of my experience, but that is the phrase that I keep hearing. I came to Atlanta carrying more than a giant suitcase, backpack, and a sleeping bag- I was also carrying a myriad of personal issues. The thing about burdens is that after a while you don’t even realize you’re carrying them. Regardless, the Lord has used the past few days to remove some of the burdens I’ve been carrying for years. For example, on the first night we were instructed to go out on the streets and give hope to people. I was, in a word, terrified. Yet as I held the hand of a Caribbean man named Warren and prayed for him, I felt fear melt away. Fear is done. Over the next few days, they all began to fall. Comparing is done. Insecurity is done. People pleasing is done. It. Is. Done. One night as a teammate was sharing about her struggles, I knew the Lord was instructing me to tell her that after this trip she will no longer call those things struggles. She is done. As I think about India, I can’t help but think of Isaiah 61 and pray that the Lord will use us to do all of those things. Captivity, mourning, despair, sickness? I pray they are DONE. I pray the Lord will rebuild, restore, and renew what has been devastated. I believe a new time is coming for India; a time where justice prevails, where men cherish their women, where other options besides begging and violence exist. I pray that all of these things are done, and I truly believe that they will be. In Joshua 21:45 it says. ” Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.” Thank you all for your prayers- God has been so faithful to bless and provide for me over and over again. I was hot and it rained. I have over 50 bug bites but I don’t itch. I cried and shared my story with 15 near strangers and they loved me. So thank you and please keep us in your prayers as we begin this crazy adventure. Love yall!
