First Class Conversations

My first time flying first class was great. Comfy seats, free snacks, lots of leg room (not that at 5'4" I need extra leg room, but hey it was nice.) The anthropologist in me couldn't help surveying the people around me and cataloging some of the differences between first class and coach. One interesting difference was in the conversations I encountered. Most talk was shallow and didn't stray far from Hilton vs Marriott or US vs Delta.  No one seemed to be too interested in anything other than business. I was surrounded by success, business owners, share holders, and VPs, but felt no connection with anyone.

I got bored with their conversations and began to drift off to sleep just about the time it started raining. And then the conversations shifted to what an inconvenience the rain was going to be in getting to their business meetings. When we landed the captain explained that because of the lightening we and about 60 other airplanes were sitting on the tarmac and we were going to be delayed for sure. Suddenly, first class was on their phones rebooking their flights and complaining to the flight attendants about the delay.

If I wasn't out of place already, now I really was. I welcomed the rain, delayed flight and all. Sometimes we need a delay - the people surrounding me clearly needed to slow down. I settled into my comfy first class seat and decided to enjoy the extra few minuets I would get to enjoy the experience (meanwhile the lady in the seat next to me was busy yelling at the customer service agent about having to have a first class seat.)

Turns out I made my flight and did so without rushing and stressing about it. I am glad that recently God has been slowing me down and teaching me to rest in Him. I may not have enjoyed my first class experience at all otherwise. I wouldn't say that the others in first class with me this morning enjoyed their flights at all. How many times am I so distracted by my to do list that I don't even notice that I am missing out on a great experience? "Be still & know that I am God." Ps 46:10

It was back to coach for my connecting flight, but I didn't mind. I had wonderful conversations with those seated around me. We shared purchased snacks and some good laughs. I may have had more comforts in first class, but nothing replaces genuinely sharing life with others, even for a brief moment on a plane to Jamaica. 

Five Weeks of Learning

I can't believe the summer is halfway over already. It has been a blur of long days and late nights. But what a ride it has been! I am so glad that Christ is not done changing me yet. I've learned so much over these past several weeks.

Week one was a blast. Each day we hosted a children's program each day with lessons that led up to one big community event on Thursday night themed Jesus the Miracle Worker. It was an amazing thing to see the community come out for a night of fun, but leave with an understanding that the Creator of the universe loves them so much He died for them. I learned the importance of preparation this week - the team I was with put so much work in before the trip they could enjoy and let the Holy Spirit move during the trip.

Week two was full and fun. We were at another school working with a program called ASTEP, which is for grade six students who failed their end of e year test and could not progress to the seventh grade. Many of these students can not read and have a difficult time with math. This week God showed me the value of encouraging words and giving someone my time. Proverbs 18:21 says that the power of life and death is in the tongue and I saw this come alive. A the start of the week these boys were hostile and distant, but after a few days of loving on them they were completely different students! It's amazing the change that can come from a positive word.

Week three was in the mountains of Jamaica. Again, my group worked in schools. This week God worked on my fiercely. It seemed like everything that could change and go wrong did. God showed me that His plans are better than mine, no matter how much work I put into them, and that He is in complete control. I was humbled as I saw God move hour by hour through what I thought was chaos and constant change. Looking back now, I can't imagine the week going any other way.

Week four was equally as awesome as the other weeks. Unity was my lesson for the week. I had three teams come together under one mission in two different locations. It was a beautiful thing to see each group surround one another in love and support. By the end of the week they had become one family. It was a terrific example of what the body of Christ looks like when we walk together in unity.

Week five was in Costa Rica with my youth group. What a great thing to serve with my students again and see God work through them. This week's lesson was in Christ being my sustainer. Hebrews 1:3 tells us that Christ sustains all things by His powerful Word, and I felt that this week as I was beyond exhausted. I began the week empty but finished the week full and energized. What an amazing thing to know that it is Christ that filled me and allowed me to continue to serve with my family.

Please keep your prayers coming as I have three more weeks in Jamaica starting tomorrow and then two weeks in South Africa. I am looking forward to seeing God move in mighty ways over the next several weeks and I will do my best to keep you all posted. :)

This pic is of our group in Costa Rica in front of the church we painted.