I am in the land of dragons, warriors, and poetry; surrounded by sheep, beauty, and roses; and drowning in tea and ice cream. I made it to Wales a week and a half ago, but I have done and seen so much, it seems like it has been ages. It is such a beautiful country, and I love that I’m living in a place where it’s rare to see a hilltop that isn’t crowned by a castle.

The first week was orientation in the North, where I met lots of amazing people. It was a wonderful week of learning, growing, and fellowship. Our team of three took the train down to Llandeilo in the South on Saturday, and have been going nonstop ever since. We’ve seen a lot of beautiful sites, done some really eye-opening (for me, anyway!) ministry, and have met multitudes of fantastic, gracious people. We’re only four days out of orientation, and already my own perspective and focus has shifted. I’ve still got a long way to go, though!

I’m a shy, reserved person by nature. I’m not ashamed to admit that telling my own story and sharing about my relationship with Jesus in front of a crowd is scary to me. As expected, since we have been out of orientation, a day has not passed in which I have not shared my testimony. In my head, I know that the more I rely on the Lord for my words, instead of planning them out in my head beforehand, the more genuine and glorifying they will be. My heart is a different story – it wants to plan out every word out to prevent epic failure. I’m beginning to truly realize that I don’t have to worry at all about what to say because God will give me the appropriate words at the right time.

I started telling my story very shakily, trying to use my own words, which was silly. The more I gave my worry and planning-instinct to God, the more I realized that as I told my story, sometimes different aspects would be brought out more than others, which is really cool. The best thing is, it’s not about me, my words, or others’ opinions. It’s all about Jesus, and as long as I remember that, there’s no pressure on me.

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be the glory…
Ephesians 3:20-21

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