No, really. My skin has felt like it’s been on fire since we left for Maasai land. It has been so incredibly worth it though! These past few days, I’ve felt like I’m in The Lion King….minus the lions 🙂 We’ve seen giraffes, elephants, gazelles, and teal-colored birds. We’ve seen stars that seem close enough to touch, trees just like in the movie, and long, rolling mountains that stretch as far as the eye can see. Most importantly, though, we’ve experienced the Maasai people. They mostly wear brightly-colored wraps (just pieces of fabric), an abundance of beaded jewelry, and almost always a friendly ‘supa!’ on their lips.
Before we arrived in Ngabolo, I waqs somewhat afraid of what ministry would be like there. Would we have to drink blood? What would our ministry be? Were the people hostile? Well, my fears were quite unnecessary .Throughout the week, we did hut-to-hut evangelism and several ATLs (Ask the Lord..and then do it). Because of the work of a few missionaries and Christian Maasais, many people, though not all, had already at least heard of Christ. God blessed our time there and many people accepted Christ as their Savior. Meisisi yesu, Praise the Lord!
Maasai land marked a turning point in the trip for me. We have been gone for a while now, and I was beginning to miss home and desire a break from the challenges that come with being here. I knew it was going to be a hard week. Yet God cam through, as He always does. I was able to connect with our host and interpreters more in Ngabolo than anywhere else so far; God shoed Himself to me in my first ATL by sending me to a woman that I apparently had already tried to visit two times in our hut-to-hut but she hadn’t been home; by giving me the greatest birthday ever (really, it was sweet!); and by continuing to grow the team.
Of course, this also marked a week of more challenges and more stripping me of my selfish desires and comforts. A few nights ago, we began to fast sleep in order to praise God and pray for Ngabolo and its people more. We’ve paired up into 4 teams and taken turns in 1.5 hour shifts throughout the night. Before we began, I’ll be honest, I was a bit skeptical. It was a great idea in theory, but I was already struggling with missing home as it was. Once again, though (you’d think I’d get it by now), God showed up. Now, that 1.5 hours is probably my favorite time of day. I can’t describe what it’s like to praise God, intercede for others, and have heart-to-hearts with fellow believers under a canopy of stars and around a warm, flickering fire. Incredible. Truly incredible. Praise God.
We’ve also begun to incorporate a team Bible study, waking up even earlier for more individual quiet time with God, memorizing Scripture, and incorporating more prayer. Though it’s been challenging, it has set me ablaze with a new fire for the Lord. I truly desire to spend more time with Him and can’t wait to see what He’ll do next.
Please be praying for the team as we Ask the Lord what He wants us to do in Tanzania. We currently have no plans but are for sure soaking it in prayer! Thanks!
