Victory Is Mine!

Yesterday was another incredible day.  We ministered in the village where Pastor Nelson was raised.  Everything went very well and was I ever stretched, having to stand in the hot sun for several hours as we taught our women's lessons.  I was looking around trying to figure out how I could quickly construct a little mud hut, but to no avail.  However, God got me through it - two shades darker, a little dehydrated, and dripping wet, but He got me through it! 

I had the chance to play with the children yesterday and that was a treat.  They played at the carnival and unfortunately we are running out of supplies, so the carnival ended a bit early and we had to improvise.  So what did that mean?  Christmas carols, gospel songs, dancing, running in circles....you think it, we did it!

There is a man in my group by the name of Pastor Larry.  He is an African-American (we are the only two African-American's from the US on the trip) and pastors a church in Atlanta.  He truly has a heart for this place and everyday is like the first day for him when we leave to minister in a village.  He was committed to teaching the children some songs and they loved it.  We taught them "Victory Is Mine" and put hand motions to it.  They caught on so quickly and were so attentive.  I could just imagine them going back home to their parents and to school singing this song and ministering to people in their village!  

We also taught them a little remix - it was hilarious!  After they sang a chorus of "Victory is Mine" (Victory is mine, victory is mine, victory today is mine!  I told Satan, get thee behind....victory today is mine!), Pastor Larry taught them to say "pump it up, pump it up, pump it up," while they raised the roof!  They just laughed and laughed!  Imagine being surrounded by about a 100 little black faces just smiling at you - it was precious, they were like little angels.  

The children here are very smart and to be able to teach them a whole song in ten minutes was quite impressive.  I had the pleasure of leading "Father Abraham" and "Jesus Loves Me..."  It's sad I had to come across the world to be able to lead a song (I hope my choir director reads this...).

The ladies in the village cooked lunch for us and we ate in their church.  It was another wonderful meal and I just couldn't help but feel blessed that God chose me to have the most incredible experiences this week.  However, I know it has all been for a reason - to change my heart and my mind about service and devotion to His people here, at home in Birmingham, and around the world.  It was to plant a seed in me that will change my life forever.  The change has been extraordinary - every minute of being here I have been changed.  We have one more day left, which makes me so sad.  I could honestly stay a few more weeks.  I have a feeling I will be back though...

Happy Thanksgiving!  We will be eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for lunch today, so someone eat a little turkey and dressing for me!