Freedom

Freedom. 

A sweet word and way of life that I took so much advantage of in America. 

I didn't have to think about what time is safest to go get groceries during the day. 

I took for granted that I could freely drive my car whenever I wanted to at whatever time of day, by myself. 

I didn't think about how it's not safe to go to church on a holiday due to terrorist threats. 

I never thought that it wouldn't be safe to go to "Walmart" because it's on high alert due to terrorist threats. 

I never thought about having to step out of the car to get searched before you enter a mall, and that they'd look underneath with a mirror to check for explosives. 

I didn't recognize that you can't take a glass of water out of your sink faucet or eat chicken because of a typhoid breakout- with 200-300 new cases being diagnosed a day. 

I never thought about having to sleep under a mosquito net so I wouldn't get malaria. 

I didn't think I would have to help my dad navigate through a mob, and have 7 guys banging on our vehicle. Picture above.  (okay, maybe I did- we've been on a lot of crazy adventures together...;)) 

One funny one-- Tortilla Chips and salsa- I never thought that those would be hard to find (near impossible) and that I'd miss them. lol. 

These things can be shocking, and I'm starting to realize how much my life has changed just in the 2 months that we've been here. It's not a hard and difficult way of life, I just think that so many people take for granted the freedoms that they have everyday. I did. 

I'm still free, because I'm free in Christ. And I don't have any fear, because I know that there's joy, and victory when you abide in the Lord. I have reassurance in him, and my hope is in him. I'm happy to be here, and I'm glad my eyes are continuing to be opened more. I'm starting to realize the idea of what, "open the eyes of my heart" and "spirit lead me where my trust is without borders" really means- even though I have sang those songs infront of lots of people, lots of times. 

So this friends, is what I'm learning. And next time you ask the Lord to take you deeper, next time you sing a worship song, or pray a Psalm- check your heart and make sure you're serious. Because the Lord answers those who pray to him, and you might just end up having your whole world shaken up. It's a good thing, be ready.