Day 12: When God Surrounds You

“It’s okay to not be okay. It’s not okay to be okay with it.” — Pastor Chase

“The Lord is with you.” — A patient from Hudson Physical Therapy

Thank you to everyone who has been praying for me and reaching out after hearing about my Granddad passing away while I was here on the mission trip.

His funeral was yesterday at 2:00 p.m. Ohio/Georgia time, which was 8:00 p.m. here in Mozambique. Yes...I even watched part of it live on Facebook.

It has been a difficult few days, but I have also seen God's faithfulness in ways I never expected.

This morning's devotional was led by our very own Papa G!

He talked about Biblical friendship. It was funny because when I started thinking about what I wanted to write for this blog, it fit perfectly with what he shared.

"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."
— Proverbs 17:17 (NASB)

Today was our last full day in Mozambique.

Really, the only thing we had planned was a big worship night in the evening.   The churches even mad flyers for it.  So, the morning and afternoon were open.  This gave me a chance to slow down and process everything that has happened over this whole mission trip.

On this free morning and afternoon, some of the team explored downtown, some grabbed coffee, some visited the Indian Ocean, and some got their hair done—or as Pastor Chase would say, got "the best haircut ever".  During all of this, I found myself reflecting.

Sitting by the Indian Ocean, and even standing in it for the first time, was peaceful. It gave me space to think about everything God has been teaching me over the last two weeks.

When I received the news about my Granddad, I had a lot of emotions going through my head. I didn't find out the day he passed away. I found out the day after.
It took me a while to get in contact with my mom. When I finally did, she told me she didn't want to tell me while I was on the mission trip.

I want to give a shout-out to Maggie, Michka, Adi, and Pastor Chase. Each one had a part in helping me that Sunday night.

Pastor Chase and Maggie asked if everything was okay. I said, "I think my Granddad died. I'm just waiting for my mom to respond."

Pastor Chase immediately handed me his phone so I could try calling her.

The support they gave me meant more than they probably know.

Later, after I shared the news in our church prayer chat, Michka asked if I wanted to come sit with her, Amanda, Adi, Pastor Chase, and Pastor Maulidio.

I thanked her, but I told her I was okay.

A little while later, Maggie came over and asked if they could pray over me.

Again, I said, "Not right now."

But Adi must have seen something on my face that I couldn't hide.

He quietly walked over to me and simply said, "We're going to pray over you."

I don't remember everything he prayed.

I just remember saying, "Okay."

I'm an introvert. I'm not someone who asks for help, and I'm definitely not someone who likes being the center of attention. I also don't cry very often.

But that night, while they prayed over me, I cried.

Looking back now, I realize it was exactly what I needed.

It felt like God was reminding me that I didn't have to carry my grief by myself.

He surrounded me with people who loved me enough to stop what they were doing and pray over me.

I'm okay not because losing my Granddad didn't hurt, but because God has faithfully carried me through every moment.

This trip has stretched me in ways I never expected. Whether it's talking with people I just met, sharing my testimony, or allowing others to care for me when I needed it most, God has been growing me.

Tonight we ended our mission in Mozambque by going  to Pastor Maulidio's church.  Pastor Chase preached about Enoch and what it means to walk with God. He preached from Genesis 5:24, Hebrews 11:5, Jude 14, and Isaiah 40:31.

One thing he said that stayed with me was that we always want to live in what is known. We like knowing what comes next.  But walking with God means trusting Him even when we don't know what tomorrow holds.

The music before and after the sermon was one of the most powerful times of worship we experienced on the entire trip.

For a while we weren't even sure everyone was going to make it. Ariana, Micaiah, and Raul (Pastor Benito's son) were running very late. We kept wondering if they were going to get there. Even after service started we were not sure.
 
Then they walked in when we only had two songs left. and People were clapping, dancing, smiling, and praising God with so much joy.

During one of the songs I looked over and saw Pastor Chase, Pastor Valmir, and Papa G jumping together.  For another song they turned the lights off and people were singing, "Amen, Amen."  When I saw that  I realized something.

The same God who got me through grief this week is worthy of my worship.

Grief and joy can exist at the same time.

This trip has changed me more than I expected.

God has shown me that I don't have to walk through hard things alone.

He is with me.

And sometimes He reminds me of that through the people He has placed around me.