Monday May 18, 2015

Today was the first full day of our journey to Zambia. We didn't actually do any traveling, but we had a lot of fun preparing for our next two weeks here at Messiah. The preparation began at 6 am this morning with a cross run. The idea behind this was to carry the cross as Jesus did, except for us, there were three crosses with five people per cross. Throughout the run, there were different stops where the significance of Jesus and the cross was explained and hopefully received with a greater understanding/appreciation than before the run. At the end, we were all able to drop the crosses because through Jesus and what He did for us, the burden of sin is no longer ours to carry. This was a very powerful experience for us because even though we experienced a discomfort that doesn't even come close to what Jesus felt during the process of His crucifixion, we were able really focus our hearts on Him and His unconditional love for us. It also helped put into perspective how even though we won't always be comfortable in Zambia, we can still love on His people and stay positive in our effort to glorify Him.

After the cross run, we had practice, which is always a lot of fun. When practice ended, we had been up for so long I think we all thought it should have been dinnertime, but we were only onto lunch. The majority of the rest of the day was spent at the Frey Farm, where we were able to hang out and relax as a team. For our team, the term "relax" is used to mean we all ran around, played games like spike ball and kan-jam, and searched for wild animals to catch. However, we did call a ceasefire on the competition to break up into small groups and practice sharing our testimony. This was a really cool experience because even though we were practicing how it would be said to the people in Zambia, some of us were hearing each others' testimonies for the first time as well. We all have such unique stories and different ways God has worked in our lives, and a testimony is just another way to express that on a relational level. It is such a blessing to know where we have all been and where God has us today. Whether it be through sharing testimonies or having a simple conversation, I have no doubt God will speak through us in Zambia in our efforts to connect with the people.

Our first mishap of the trip occurred as we were breaking up into small groups before the testimonies were shared. We were all sitting on a dock by the breeches except Mac, Audra, Maddy, and Courtney, who were sitting on a tree swing. As coach was talking to us, we all heard a "crack" and noticed the tree branch suspending the swing had snapped and fallen on the four sitting on the bench. Fortunateley, everyone was okay, but it still resulted in Courtney getting her head slightly cut open and Audra having to put her sunglasses on so she could get in a quick "I just almost died" cry.

From the Frey farm, we went to a send-off service held at Messiah. It was supposed to be held around a bonfire, but the weather had other plans. It started storming right as we arrived, which was exciting for me, but it also forced us to go under the covered bridge for the service. There, we were able to focus our hearts on the journey that was ahead of us and pray for the different trips that are leaving/had already left from Messiah.

It certainly feels like today was five days in one, but it is safe to say the trip has already gotten off to a fun start. Here are some pictures that help illustrate today's activities:

A special shoutout to the Yunez's for our breakfast this morning, to Subway for lunch, and to the sophomores for dinner. Even though the sophomores wouldn't let me (Kyele) even get near the kitchen to grab so much as a piece of watermelon before the meal was ready, I must acknowledge it was well worth the wait.

This is a picture of us after we carried the cross across the breeches. When we got to the other side, we took communion and reflected on what Jesus intends for it to mean in our lives.

Hopefully this first post accurately depicted how the first day went for us as a group! Tomorrow we officially begin traveling to Zambia, so prayers for our sanity/safety on our 17 hour flight would be greatly appreciated. I know we are all excited to see how we will be impacted by the Lord as individuals and as a team over the course of the trip. I pray we can do the same for those in Zambia as well. 

Love,

MWS