Well, I don't know where to start....I suppose I could start with the fact that I spent the last month and half here:
The Republic of Kiribati (which I'd really never heard of until I found out I was going there), also known as the Line Islands, are a small group Islands in the South Pacific and, as you can see, they are extremely beautiful.
These were taken in Kiritimati Island, our first stop. The people are quiet and a little shy, but we were able to make some good friends before we left...like this girl:
Her name is Ariel, and we played music together. She tried to teach me to dance, but I'm pretty bad the whole hip thing. She, however, can break it down.
One of the ways we were welcomed into a village was by the locals having a giant potluck. Those are coconuts: You have to pay five bucks for one in Fiji...
But here, you can just do this:
...But don't look down...
Trust me...I know...
Next we got onto our boat and sailed over to Fanning Island. We really felt led as a team to be there.
This is Captain Ann, and our friend Kasawa. He is a very friendly and charming gentleman who, unfortunately, had to have his leg amputated. So we brought him some books because he loves to read.
Most of our ministry involved playing with kids. We put on countless kid's clubs, sang songs, and played games.
This is my special friend that the Lord blessed me with. He brought us together for such a time as this, and I have been forever changed by her. The day we arrived on Fanning Island, she lost a child in a tragic accident and two of my teammates were present during the incident. I knew in my heart someone was grieving and I wanted to find them...and...hug them or something. Two days later I met Beneti, and learned who she was. She teaches English at the secondary school, and we became fast friends. I taught her English classes whenever I could so that she wouldn't have to. I'm not sure teachers in Kiribati are allowed bereavement leave. I felt honored and humbled to be used by the Lord in this way; that He would take me thousands of miles out of my way because of His love for one person. Because of His breaking heart for one person. It expanded my understanding of His love for me.
I learned that I don't want to be a teacher...Baneti does it much better than I do.
Things I learned:
God moves and speaks quietly.
The human experience is pretty much the same for everyone regardless of who you are or where you live.
And my God sees the individual. He sees the one.
I want to thank everyone who supported me on this adventure. It was life changing and healing for me and so many others. Thank you.
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