reminiscence and profundity part 2

 When I thought of the Joshua verses 'Be strong and courageous, I always took that as a 'Don't fall apart', push through and don't let people see you struggle. But I never thought about the second part. "For I, The Lord your God is with you. " He isn't saying hold yourself together, he's saying we have the God of the universe on our side to rely on. Sometimes, being strong could mean doing the hard thing and being vulnerable, and trusting God with what giant walls you face.  -Joshua 1:9

   (I was going to add a story about how the world without creativity and colour would be, but it's too long.)

      Japan has stolen part of my heart in these six weeks. I will miss the softness of the trees, politeness, the Sakura celebration, the brightness of the pinks and blues. I think of the kids I worked with, The dancers by the city hall, the toddlers building blocks and painting. I remember octopus balls, Bento boxes, trains as packed as sardines, and too many pigeons. The Hollands, who blessed us so much during our stay, and the reason why the song Total Eclipse of the Heart will never be the same! Constant selfies documenting our travels, umbrellas, bikes and rain. Masks and walking EVERYWHERE, and general confusion of the language.
    God has taught me that I am capable of much more than I thought, less capable than I could be, that I need to rely on him, and the biggest thing, Missions is all about relationship. work to the exclusion of people is wrong, and God needs to be the forefront.
Art, however self conscious I may be about it, is a powerful tool. One that speaks without words.
     Also, leaving. yeah, leaving is hard, and being left hurts,  but it's a blessing to know the people and places, and hold God's creation close to your heart. Our capability to love grows with our efforts to use it. Dream big, its ok to expect a lot when God partners with you. Stare at the clouds! why keep your feet on solid ground when you can soar around the world and make memories and change lives in entirely new cultures?
ah, the melancholy feelings of leaving one place, and heading to another! Watching a plane take off, a train depart, packing that last thing in a suitcase bound for who knows where! Kimonos? A stop in Korea, a dip in the sunshine coast... what else does God have planned? I am truly blessed to be in the service of this great God who created this! there are cons though. confusion, not fitting in, constantly leaving, not being understood, being broke or exhausted.But my strength comes from the Lord, I am destined for something better than this world, I am always making new friends and stories. I can always trust God's provision.
I feel like I am becoming more of who I am meant to be. I'm not who I was a year ago, or even a week ago. every minute past presents a new challenge I am to conquer.