Last Friday, we took a trip to the UMCOR warehouse to pick out furniture for the apartment. A bedroom suit, a couch, chair, dining room table and chairs, bookcase, and a futon bed for the “extra” room in the apartment (just in case anyone wants to visit me, I want to have room for them…hint hint!) The furniture I picked out some how all goes together. An eclectic mix from across the United States that works together, kind of like our teams!
All I brought with me to New Orleans is what could fit into my 1998 Saturn SC2. NOT a big car, but it was packed to the brim, and as I began to unpack the boxes of clothes and other miscellaneous “stuff” that I just couldn’t leave home without it struck me…. I have been without access to “my stuff” since I left North Carolina on Oct. 26th. I have been living out of my suitcase, and have managed to function just fine. As a volunteer helped me move in, I kept asking, “Do you want this – I don’t need it.”
I have now moved into my own space. No more sharing a shower, bathroom, or kitchen with 50 people. No more working 24/7 because I am on site and it’s easy to knock on my door day or night to ask questions. All of a sudden I have my own space again. I’m not with the groups anymore. A little sadness overcame me – I get so much from them. Their excitement is contagious, they are “angels” sent by God to New Orleans and their presence affects those around them more than they realize. Their presence always “freshens” my outlook and helps keep my experience here new and exciting. They help me continue to see this area and this job with an attitude that I’m afraid of losing-the attitude of a missionary.
In a devotion that I read today, it said, “Could it be that by merely living a life of faith, even in our private moments, we are having an effect on someone? If this is true, then our whole life is a mission. It’s a mission to believe. It’s a mission to resist sin. It’s a mission to love. It’s a mission to live our faith out in our daily lives. If somebody’s watching, everything matters.” John Fischer, a published author and popular speaker.
I have just moved into my apartment and am struck by many feelings. As a missionary it felt right to suffer a little. To be cold, sleep on a floor, and share a shower. Will I still be able to live the unencumbered life of a missionary that frees me to turn more heavenward? Will once again having “stuff” tie me too much to this world?
As found in Matthew 6:19-20 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”
Another lesson being taught to me by God in His wonderful wisdom!
IHS,
Patricia