As one might imagine adjusting to life on the Homestead is not what one would call easy. Many have heard the tales of the Jumbo, the bucket bath, the freakishly large bugs and reptiles, and the heat. I am a girly-girl at heart. I take a lot of time to get ready everyday at home, and I freak when I see even a little daddy long legs in my room. The first-time the reality that I would be living here for three months slapped me in my formerly pampered face, tears formed in my eyes. I felt scared, hopeless, and unsure of my ability to put faith in the Lord and lean on Him. How little I knew! Now, half way into the trip allow me to illustrate how the Lord has grown me and just how powerful he His. ..
In the mornings I awake from my top bunk in our hut. I swat the flies swarming me and then jump off. I get ready and then head to the kitchen for my instant cup of coffee which I truly savor (I am a former coffee junkie and snob, so this quite an example of the Lord’s power). I then sip the less than fresh brew as I observe the many animals on the homestead, many of which I have named for my own amusement.
After breakfast I have my quiet time. I sit in a plastic deck chair as I look out over the surrounding lands and beautiful sky. Though the flies still swarm and the stench of animals wafts its way up to my nose, I cannot be distracted from the beauty of God’s creation. As I take His masterpiece in, I hear the laughter of children passing by on their way to school. I beam from the inside out at their rewarding waves and big smiles. Occasionally older women will also pass by, carrying large baskets on their heads. Despite their heavy loads and tasks for the day, they never fail to stop and say hello.
My favorite time of day is the evening. I have never before seen such glorious and exquisite skies. I go out into the field on the Homestead to see more of His sunsets and do not think of the possible bugs and slithering things at my feet. Rather, I am too consumed imagining the Lord in his thrown just behind the clouds and magnificent illuminations of color and light. When the sun finally hides, I am able to see the Lord’s meticulously planned light show. There are stars everywhere, and the constellations are brilliantly clear. When he really wishes to spoil me, he even gives me a shooting star. Further, as though the stars are not enough, there is always an orchestra of sweet humming insects.
I take everything in and can’t help but lift up my arms in praise. As the cool and welcoming night breeze blows against my skin, despite being dirty and without make-up, I feel beautiful and perfect. I feel blessed to be able to see so much of His greatness, I know he is close. At this time, there is no place I would rather be.
