Crucified With Christ

"I have been crucified with Christ: it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life which I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

-Galatians 2:20

My little friend, Betty, and I at Sunday School.

Kids in Zirobwe

This has been my theme verse during the week. Over the end of last week and the beginning of this week, I simply wanted to be back in Zirobwe. It was hard to be in Kampala because I felt like my heart and spirit were still in the village. But God (as always) had something to teach me through it! I was reading yesterday in 2 Corinthians 5 when Paul talks about being away from our Father, and I realized that I'm never going to be absolutely and completely satisfied in this body on earth because I will always long to be at home with my Lord. Seeing that longing exemplified and magnified in my life was a very humbling and unique experience. It made me ask, does my longing for Christ look like that? Is it something that's continually at the forefront of my mind? Thankfully, my desire to be in Zirobwe was soon fulfilled. We got to stay there Tuesday through Thursday once again! Although we only had one program with the kids we're normally with, it was a wonderful three days. On Wednesday we had the opportunity to spend all day at one of the secondary schools - we played soccer and volleyball with them as well as having sessions on how to write a story and career guidance. One particular instance sticks out clearly in my mind: we were sitting in small groups doing career guidance, and one boy spoke up and asked, "What if, once you've gone through all your classes and are ready to enter university, your parents tell you one morning that there's no longer enough money left and you can't attend university?" It broke my heart. Back home it seems like almost everyone has the opportunity to go to a college or university; in fact, it's expected. But the young adults here go through primary and secondary school simply hoping they'll be able to further their education. The students in the village especially - they have such big dreams - to be a doctor, a lawyer, engineer, singer - but when it comes down to it, most of them won't even have the opportunity to attempt their dreams because they won't be able to attend university. It just makes me realize how blessed we are in America - and also how much we take for granted. On Thursday we slashed grass early in the morning and then had the opportunity to plant trees along the entrance to Empower a Child's future Training Center. I really felt God guiding me to choose what looked like the weakest tree. He reminded me, "I chose you when you felt like the weakest one." So, in short, I'm looking forward to seeing my namesake tree grow and mature as the vision of EAC grows as well.

Kids in Zirobwe

Another thing about this week that sticks out is the idea of being weak, broken, and being a jar of clay. Honestly, I was tired this week (especially after slashing grass!). But I was also just hurting for the kids in Zirobwe. That feeling put a whole new perspective on being "crucified with Christ." It means I'm no longer able to live for myself; I cry for, hurt for, pray for, and am "crucified" for those He loves as well. I think 2 Corinthians 4:16 says it best, "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day." On the outside I'm a jar of clay, but inside I hold the promise of God to His glory. Amen and amen!