Some days are harder than others.

Through my blog it is my goal to share in a real way this crazy, awesome, amazing hard adventure God has me on with the Africa Mercy. 

Is it the most incredible thing I have ever been a part of? Yes! 

Is it amazing to see God working all around you to bring hope and healing using volunteers from over 50 nations? Yes!

Do I love the adventure of serving in the Republic of Congo? For Sure!

Are there days I really, really, really miss home? There sure are! I have had many conversations recently with friends about this life that God has called us to in Africa. We have some great resources available to us here as we serve. We live on an air conditioned ship with nice cabins to sleep in, great food and friends all around. We even have a Starbucks onboard where you can buy a latte for 75 cents. How cool it that? I am grateful for this little piece of the west as we serve here in Africa. We don't live in the middle of a jungle as some do serving in the mission field, but there are trials none the less. There are some days I miss home more than I think I can bare. There are days I think about my nephew and niece growing up without me being able to spend time with them. I am not able to go to my recently married sisters house for dinner with her and her husband because it would take 30+ hours to get there. I recently missed the engagement and will miss the wedding of one of my best friends from home. There will be many more birthdays, holidays, weddings, anniversaries and graduations that I no doubt will miss. I contemplate the price of this life God has called me to and I know it is more than worth it because of the people who are impacted for eternity, but it's still really hard sometimes. 

God used Mark 8:34-36 the day he confirmed he was indeed sending me to Africa.

34Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35For whoever wants to save their life^b will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. 36What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?

For me right now taking up my cross and loosing my life looks like living thousands and thousands of miles from home , far from most things familiar to me.  I pray God will continue to help me to grow and know how to daily lay down my life and follow him right where I am.