Warning: This is not a “feel good” post.
Adjusting is a struggle. Adjusting is fun, exciting, challenging, growing, and necessary . . . but it IS a struggle . . . And the biggest struggle is within myself.
I have moved into a new culture. The people do things differently than I’m used to. The people are speaking a different language that I don’t know yet. The days are much hotter. The walks are much longer. The ministry is vast and new. I’m the “new girl” on the ministry team.
I am adjusting. What this means for me many days is . . . exhaustion, frustration, disappointment, apprehension, confusion, and doubt.
I know the right things to say and others tell me all the time that this is normal for the adjustment period. They say . . . Learning a new language takes time; It is normal to be more exhausted is a warmer climate; You don’t have to do everything all at once; Don’t rush yourself; It is a lot to process and taking time for that is important. These things are true, and while I know them to be true, it’s still hard.
If you know me, then you know I am an overachiever who is used to getting a lot done and doing it well. That is not the case for me right now and it’s hard for me. This is the struggle. My team is understanding and even encouraging, but my struggle is with myself. I so easily accept GRACE from God and others, but often forget to extend it to myself. I am getting better at this, but I’m not there yet.
This may not have been the blog that you were looking for, but I think it’s important to share all parts of this journey and not just the “pretty” ones. Please understand that I feel very blessed to be here. I’m extremely excited about all that God is doing in this place and count it an awesome privilege that He has purposed for me to be a part of it. I have begun to get a glimpse of the ministries here and I look forward to sharing more about those with you in upcoming blogs.
Thanks for walking through this journey with me . . . All of it. I can’t guarantee it will always be what you or I expect, but His plan is greater than our own and that’s the plan I want to follow.
More to come on what’s happening with the ministries here soon . . .
Kristen,
I love your honesty and transparency.I can’t beginn to understand what God’s plans and big picture is for you, but I know he had this planned along time ago. It is a privilege tho join others praying for you as you walk thru this season. We love you.
Will continue to pray for you and your adjustment. Love you…..
Know that this adjustment time has to be difficult. You’re having to learn much and adjust to many different ways of life. God bless and strengthen you and give you His amazing peace!
God has equipped you to complete the tasks he has planned for you; however, there will be times you will be tempted to go off course. Just keep up the Wolfpack spirit and press on towards HIS goal line.
God has equipped you to complete the tasks he has planned for you; however, there will be times you will be tempted to go off course. Just keep up the Wolfpack spirit and press on towards HIS goal line.
Kristin,
I will be praying for you. You have great days ahead. If there is anything I can do to help from the home office, please let me know.
Bob
Praying for you right now. May God continue to pour out His strength upon you as you minister in His Name.
KRISTIN, You are in my prayers and our church where your Uncle Terry pastor’s is also lifting you up in prayer. I cannot imagine the things you are facing but I know you will overcome because God will enable you to do so.
Hebrews 10:35 reminds us of how important confidence is on the mission field. Confidence that God will intervene at any moment in ways that will astound you. He is not at all perplexed by the challenges you are facing. The challenges are there so He can show himself mighty on your behalf. Alta and I are praying that these hardships will ease and your ministry will give sight to the blind. Thinking of you always Jim
This I can relate to and quite frankly do not always appreciate or enjoy. I want the destination but quite often for God and His plan for my good and His glory, it is all about the journey. Praying for you to take each day at a time because it does have enough problems (and joys!) of its own. Recount at the end of the day what small thing God has taught you and rejoice that He is with you always!
Hi Kristi, My name is Brenda Lancaster and I’m friends with Jen Duke. She told me about you and that you were going to Granada and passed along your blog so I can follow you. Our ministry – ZMI International Family Ministries (Zookeepers Ministries) is coming to Nicaragua on mission next week…7th-14th. We’ll be in several areas and I wondered if you’d like to join us for one of our conferences? I don’t know how much free time you have, but the invitation is open! Thought you might enjoy seeing some folks from home!
Anyway, let me know and if you can I will get you our schedule. I’m supposed to get the final schedule on Sunday. Also, one of the gals on our ministry team was with The Race for the 11 in 11 program. She writes for us and was in 11 countries in 11 months! She leaves to head to Thiland the middle of April, for a year of mission there teaching in the schools. So, be encouraged! She struggled at first – and I am sure will again – but she’s never regretted one moment! If you’d like to connect with her, just let me know. God bless you sister! Keep on keeping on! I know the Lord will use you greatly in Nicaragua!
Blessings,
Brenda Lancaster
http://www.zmiinternational.org