Church, CiTonga, and Christ's image.

August 19, 2012

Today has been packed, but wonderful.

            We started the day with church. Many of last year’s HIZers were there and I got to see Kelly again before we leave tomorrow! We sang a lot, which was beautiful as always, and Dr. Huffard spoke about how our journey and our calling changes throughout time. It is the same calling, but it changes ways in which it is revealed in our lives. He said although we may think our hearts are set on something, it will change down the road as our journey continues. After that we sang some more, except in CiTonga, and it just made me smile to hear us all sing together as one, knowing we all share this heart for Zambia.

            After singing we all ate together, and many of last year’s girls talked to us new girls at the table just about fears and what to expect. It was nice to hear them talk about all of their memories and share little useful tips. After that we said our goodbyes and had class with Dr. Huffard. He talked about the image of God and how we are in His image simply by having the ability to display characteristics like He has. It is hard for me to explain or put it the way Dr. Huffard put it, but he used Exodus 34:6-7 which says, 

“And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, ‘The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation.’”

            He used this verse to show the characteristics God chose to display to Moses. And each characteristic He spoke about Himself are all things we are able to do as well. Things like forgiveness, justice, love, mercy. The way he put it made sense and I really enjoyed it!

            We then headed over to Camp Takodah to jump around and swim. I was just what I needed after 2 days of classes. Just hanging out with our team, not in a heavy or serious context, really made me feel better about it all. Our group is still being so amazing and positive.

            We came back and had dinner, and after dinner I talked with Brette and Kaitlin Plachy about everything up until now. Our fears, what we want to get out of all of this, doubts that we have for our future. It was so cool hearing how we all share similar pains and fears. We prayed together and it was so refreshing. What a blessing it is to have a group of people so serious about their faith like I am.

            We all came back together and had a time of singing and sharing of promise passages form the Bible. Promise passages are excerpts from Scripture where God either makes a promise to someone, or He tells what He is going to do. It was so comforting listening to everyone’s thoughts and all the verses. It really made me realize that I have nothing to worry about. Next we all started watching a movie which ended up being kind of strange so I just came upstairs and rearranged packing and got everything together. I am SO tired and just mentally exhausted from all of the processing. I can’t believe the day is here!

Oh God, grant us peace and serenity over the next few days as our team adjusts and copes with what is going on. We need Your conformation that we are in Your will and we need Your Spirit to guide us into situations we need to experience. Be with my mind and steady my heart. Thank you for everything. Thank you. Here I am, Oh God. Use me.