Before Africa, I was your typical teenager. I was that 18 year old who thought the world was going to end when her parents told her "No," and complained when she looked through her cabinets for food. A girl who really didn't care and never really realized how good she really had it.
I was originally going with my church group to Kenya but God had a different plan for me. I ended up on a random trip to Monrovia, Liberia with 11 other wonderful people from all around the United States. Staying in Liberia for two weeks without my family by my side, forced me to search who I was and where I stood with God. I had realized that the choices I had made in the past were not the right ones and not the real me.
Stepping off that plane was breath taking, T.I.A. This is Africa. A phrase used at least over a million times throughout our trip. I couldn't believe the culture shock Africa had on me as we drove down the streets of Monrovia. I saw people living in houses made of sticks and kids with worn out over-sized t-shirts on. Liberia had already started to show me that God blessed me with a roof over my head and clothes on my back.
Living with the Liberians and ultimately turning into one, was an eye opening experience. All these things I have, I don't need. All these resources I use, I don't need to use them. Everyday at the camps, orphanages and even simply at the beach...God kept showing me over and over again how blessed I was. I always knew my heart was in the mission field, but Africa truly set me on fire to help people.
Coming home from Africa was a very difficult transition for me. But even with TY, Facebook, cell phone, and car...I try to keep my life as simplicit as the life of Africa. I will always be thankful for the people of Liberia and the love for Christ they showed me. This experience ultimately changed my life, it has gone from destruction to giving everything up to God.
I am now the 18 year old who can stay home on a Friday night reading her bible and looks through the cabinet only picturing the faces of the hungry children.
I will never be able to show God how grateful I am; for my African eyes.
Jeremiah 29:11
Keep your heart open to all God is telling you. Stay in the Word for guidance. Know that I will be praying for you and for His Spirit to be evident in your life.
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ReplyDeleteSorry I messed up my first comment.....OK... As I write this you are on your flight to Africa. Praying for Safety and for your heart to be filled with peace. So proud of you and how you have allowed God to work in you! I Love You!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to hear all the stories when you get home, keep giving everyone love from the Fraley family! We love you and are gonna continue to keep praying for you! <3 Take soooo many pictures and videos for me please!
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