What is comfort anyway?

In 4 days, I am moving in with a family here in Bouake. This means our training is over and real life begins.

I'm learning to redefine my comforts here. You know, there are things that I considered necessary when I got here, but slowly, I'm learning that I can survive without them. Some things are simple, like familiar food or showers. Other things, like having the internet at my fingertips or the assurance that things will run on time, are a little different.

It's as if God's stripping away any baggage I'm carrying. Those "comforts and needs" are part of it - the things that I hold so dear. The stripping away of these things is bringing me closer to God. Don't get me wrong, it's kind of painful sometimes. I find myself worrying a lot. And then I remember this scripture:

"Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or
drink, or about your body, what you will wear.. look at the birds of the air;
they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father
feeds them... See how the lilies of the field grow... If that is how God clothes
the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the
fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?.. Your heavenly
Father knows that you need them. Seek first His kingom and His
righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

(Matthew 6:25-34)

Sometimes, I feel a lot like Thomas. In John 14, Jesus is telling the disciples he is leaving, saying "don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me." He's preparing a place for them, and he says that they know the way there, to where he's going. And Thomas protests, saying, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" What's Jesus' answer? "I am the way there. I am the truth. And I am life." So what about my worries and unsurities.. about connecting with people, learning the language, failing, or not saying the right things? They are SO SMALL compared to God. What does God say to those small worries? "I am the way - I will take care of your needs. Don't worry about what you will eat or wear. Seek me and I will guide you to where you need to be. I am all the truth and life that you need."

My constant prayer is this "Jesus, be my comfort, shelter, refuge, and strength."

Here are a few highlights:

Our host family: Laurentine, moi, Salif, and Alyssa
Making stars with kids at sunday school

Kati, Chazz, moi, and Holly

Songimay and I, dancing by the fire on New Years

Holly and I

Jumping on Mt. Korhogo

All of us at Christmas