Passing By

Having a blog is really quite difficult. There are some things that I don't want the entire world to know, but I feel like shouting it out on top of a mountain. Some things need to get brought up. I have no idea where this conflict inside of me occurs but its there. I think its that my heart wants to shout it out but my mind is saying, "I don't think that’s a good idea." But some times I wonder if I'm getting my mind and my heart mixed up. Just like when was in high school causing problems on my Myspace blog. Good times

Any ways...
Warning: this one may get a little corny. Deal with it.

Can I just say... I love the long bus rides.

Is that cool. Can I say that?

I know some people can't stand them and others absolutely despise them. And some people even get car sick, but I absolutely love them. We went to go see the Drakensburg boy’s choir on Wednesday in the Drakensberg Mountains. That was cool... but I must say my favorite part of the day was the 2-hour drive. 

When we went to Durban a couple weeks ago for the weekend I really didn't mind/realize that what should have been a 2-hour drive ended up taking 5. Something just happens on trips like that. 

There’s something a about sitting at a tinted window, looking out watching the landscape of South Africa go by tree by tree, building by building, and having great road trip music playing in the background, that gets the wheels turning and my mind operating in a different form. Seriously… its moments like that, when the sun is barley breaking through the clouds which are just hanging there by a thread hugging the earth making there shadow mark on the hills below, that something happens.

And when we stop because a car broke down, conversations start, games erupt, and we just enjoy. Enjoy each other’s company, the place we are in, and the moment. God separates us from our schoolwork, takes us to a place and gives us the opportunity to make something of the situation. God gives us the opportunity to pause and take it all in.

Things seem clearer. Complex thoughts aren't as important any more. 

Its moments like that, I feel are so much bigger than I am. It feels like there’s something more going on here that I am unaware.

Its moments like that that you realize. This is where I’m supposed to be.

There are other moments where all of us as a group are together, at a restaurant, in chapel, or just playing games, when I just stop pause for a moment and look around. I look and see all the beautiful, laughing, joy filled faces that God had brought together at this specific point in time. It’s absolutely beautiful.

Nothing else matters for any one. It’s just all about this moment and the people present at this time.

It car rides, conversations, and people smiling really melts away any despair, discomfort, and pain I come to the table with.

I absolutely Love the people I’m with here in South Africa.

I’m at a place right now that makes me content. Happy. Joyful. I know that it may not last as God challenges me more and presents me with issues I have to deal with. I know many challenges will come as we move on to service sites.

But even in those trials I’ll find Joy. In the moments, in the people that God has set before me.

Find Joy

-Jon