Experience as a squad:

We officially stepped into a position of ministry as we were welcomed by the North Carolina mountains and chill. The community we built during training camp became a staple for our daily lives. As we were thrown into unfamiliarity our squad and team became a place of comfort. We are ultimately the only home we will have for the next 8 months. The small town of Black Mountain, home of the smaller community and college Excel, took us into their atmosphere with many invitations to grow. We are beginning to get a taste of what the next chapter of our lives will look like. Many of us were presented with challenges that were either unexpected or we were unprepared for.

Over 60 Women were sent to excel to bless the community of Black Mountain. One thing I did not take into account was how difficult it must be to house and direct 60 unfamiliar beings. We were sent all over town to deliver help and support to the community where it was needed: from some odd end jobs to renovating part of a church. Furthermore, I discovered a love for gardening as we prepared the earth for next year's fruits and uprooted the weeds that tainted the soil. My team participated in emptying building filled books and furniture that was donated to a thrift store. This store was a place for the foster homes to acquire and maintain funds for the children. We would also arrive back at our tents with paint sporadically found on our clothing.

Personal experience:

Throughout the mundane task that took place in our daily ministry, I stepped into a mindset of thanksgiving and appreciation. The moments before this transition were anything but that.

My team and I were instructed to go to the field, in which we were sleeping, and pick up rocks. From a distance it seamed like a relatively simple task. A grassy field from afar became a plain of stones. As I unearthed these rocks my mind wondered off running through my thoughts of doubt. Like a circling water mill I would be flooded by the contents of my mind but soon try to empty myself from this dissatisfied posture.
I wanted to be content with the work I was presented with, but it felt meaningless... pointless... just busy work to keep us occupied. I was eager to work for the Lord and be a blessing to people that truly needed the light and love of God. After this complaint I would then try to find the value of this work and be satisfied with the task I had been given.

After an hour of cycling through this water I was jolted to a stop. The Lord ceased the patterns of my mind and His word became the power behind the wheel. He planted these few verses in my soul.

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I can do all this through him who gives me strength."
Philippians 4:11?, ?13

- This verse particularly stood out to me because of the previous description I had imaged it as. As a young child I had paired this verse with another, Matthew 17:20: "Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
I believed that when Paul wrote these words he was speaking of the miraculous thing that God makes possible. While that is true, I was missing a major point that was being made; "to be content whatever the circumstances." This is a miracle in its self.
I must become content in the position I had found myself. Crouched down, dirt under my nails, prying at an endless series of rocks, seemingly pointless from my perspective. I can be satisfied and joyful through him who gives me strength.

"Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky."
Philippians 2:14?-?15

"Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."
Colossians 3:22?-?24

Ultimately I was there for the Lord. I was not there working for myself, the ministry hosts or any of my brothers and sisters, I was there to serve the Lord. I strive to serve Him wholeheartedly without grumbling because the creator of the Lord is deserving of so much more.

After this realization the Lord invited me to utilize this time to spend it with Him. "Meditate on my word and remain in my presence. Share your frustration but be filled with my joy."
The next hour and a half became peaceful and joyous. The time no longer drug on but became irrelevant. I no longer had the mindset of trying to complete an impossible task but to simple spend time with my father. Praise be to God for He deserves all the Glory! How I love you Lord!

If you want to hear more about how the Lord works through rock visit my teammates blog!

https://laurenlafferty.theworldrace.org/post/hidden-rocks

https://maurawinfield.theworldrace.org/post/what-the-lord-taught-me-in-north-carolina

Thank you so much for reading! I know this was a long one but I hope the Lord blesses you through your readings! Love you all!

We are heading to Cambodia on 10/15! I would love to invite you to pray for open hearts as we are welcomed into this country and safe trivel as we embark on this new journey!