Olivia/UK - Day 1: Walk, Talk, Pray

Pastor Chrishani & I on The Downs

Last night it didn't get dark until about 10 o’clock. This may sound strange but experiencing it is stranger. I was exhausted from traveling so I went right to sleep but my travel buddy and other intern, Josh, got so confused by the time difference he woke up at 9PM Monday and thought it was 9AM Tuesday! It was funny this morning but it shows you just how discombobulating a 10 hour flight and an 8 hour time difference can be.

We went for a walk to shake off our jet lag with the Hulugalle’s older son, Shan, and then we headed back to talk through a general schedule of our time here and our objectives of our internships. Pastor Chrishani took us into town for errands and then to pick up Shamindra (their younger son from school).

We then headed to The Downs which the commonly used name for a view of several countries and enjoyed a cuppa for Pastor Chrishani, coffee for Josh, and cocoa with marshmallows AND whipped cream for Shamindra and I. The Downs are the highest point in Dunstable and they boast a view of eight counties on a very clear day, including Hertfordshire(for the Jane Austen fans) and Oxfordshire (for the C.S. Lewis fans).

After dinner we gathered to pray through Day 14 of the 30 Days of Fasting & Prayer that the Hulugalle’s church, Living Waters, is going through. We sang worship, prayed and read scripture.

This may seem like a pretty straightforward description of a rather simple day but what I struggle to really describe to you are the conversations that gave this day life, meaning, intention, and simple enjoyment. It was a day of being prepared for what is to come.

Something that Pastor Surekha said stood out most to me. We were talking about wanting to take on too much, about feeling like we must do everything, and about thinking that people could not get on without us. He brought up the story of Lazarus in John 11 and though it clearly shows how much Jesus loved him and his family, he waited two days until he was dead and the family was grieving before going to them. He waited until he was sent by his Father. I often struggle with wanting to fill the needs that I see that I don't listen for my Father's voice directing me. I wear myself down, live in pride, and take opportunities to serve from others when I ignore what God has specifically called me to in effort of trying to be everything for everyone.

This ties into one of my main objectives for this trip. God has given me many different dreams for the future and I struggle with wanting to do everything all at once which limits my effectiveness and energy. Yet, I recognize that God can call me to different ministries in different seasons so that I can desire to do what He has created me to do and focus on that a long as He asks me to. However, if I'm not listening for His voice, I will not know what ministry season I am coming into. That is a reason why I am here, to listen for the voice of God and see in what direction he leads me after graduation next Spring.

Please continue to pray with me about hearing where God is leading me to next and continue to ask Him if you are “minding your business” of doing what He created you to do also. Let us continue to do that which God created us for! 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

Much Love & Swedish Fish,

Olivia Faith