by Kelsey Fisk, EM Summer Staff on the Navajo Reservation
We have officially completed our second week of EM summer mission trip teams in Black Mesa, Arizona. Bird and I couldn't ask for a better community and Church to call home.
God has sure been teaching me a lot over this past week. He uses everything I come into contact with to show me something new about Him or all the ways He wants to mold me to be more like His Son.
Outhouses...
They are the definition of no running water. Complaints can usually be heard about their smell, breezy updraft, or the scary walks alone at night they require. But what once seemed scary, smelly, and uncomfortable now represents how God wants me/us to get outside our comfort zone in life and our faith. It would be comfortable to go to a place where I knew everyone already and do a job I knew I would succeed at, but He had more planned than for me to stand on the shore where things were easy. We would've never met our brothers and sisters here in Black Mesa, grown in friendship with each other, become leaders, and most of all, called on our Savior for every need and comfort. He has called us out onto the water, and as long as our eyes are focused on Him, He holds us through all the storms.
Canyons...
From the Grand Canyon to Box Canyon, and back to the amazing views I get to see while picking up children each day, God has shown me that He is HUGE! He does big things, creates big things, and has big things in store for the future of this big world, yet He knows me. He loves me. And I don't have to do anything to earn it. It blows my mind. I love feeling small when I stand beside these wonders because it reminds me that His Grace is so unbelievable that in His vastness He pursues this tiny person right here.
Children...
Oh, these children have taught me so much. I love everything about them. Even the parts that bring me to be more patient. I have some very encouraging stories from this week.
I drove two hours to pick up four girls each day and then two hours to take them home a few hours later. This began to get redundant and tiring, but God was teaching me that EACH child is so treasured by Him. He wants to know every single one of them in a personal, intimate way. He began to change my heart to really treasure the car ride talks, jam sessions, and sweet views of His creation. At times, the conversations seemed so worldly and purposeless. I would pray for the girls to ask questions, for them to want to know more about Jesus and not just come for the fun. On the last day, God did just that. The conversations began to flow. They wanted to know why I chose to live on the Res' for the summer. Why I wanted to devote my life to living among societies "poor" and denying the position of wealth I had been blessed to be born into. They asked me about Haiti and nursing and how God was going to use all of it for His Glory. They were sad it was their last day at Kid's Club and made sure we would exchange numbers before they leave for the summer. All along I thought those talks were purposeless, but God uses it ALL for His glory. They were testing out the waters and learning to trust me. I am overwhelmed by God's faithfulness that never changes, even when my faithlessness shows its head.
After I dropped those girls off, I went to take two other girls home in another direction. Having the faith of a child is a real thing. She began to pray as I drove for healing of one of the sick team leaders. She did not pray "hoping" but KNOWING God was going to heal his body. She prayed with such expectation. As I continued to drive, we came upon two hitchhikers. With the music on and the car making noise, I could hear her mumble. I asked her what she was saying, and she quickly replied, "nothing." A few seconds later she started again. I was really curious so I insisted she clue me in. She softly said, "I am asking my Lord to give those guys a ride. And if they are doing drugs or alcohol that He show them that won't make them happy." My heart was beginning to overflow. Good thing she didn't see the tears welling up in my eyes. She is only 9 years old yet covered in the Spirit; looking for any opportunity to lift others up. When we got to my favorite lookout spot, she began to say something then stopped. When I asked her what she wanted to say, she replied with a big grin on her face, "I am just so glad my parents let me come to Kid's Club. I'm just so happy right now."
Sometimes I actually think God can only use His Word to get to me, but He has shattered that view. He has used everything to show His faithfulness, power, love, gentleness, and beauty. I have so much yet to learn while I am here. I am the first to admit I am flawed, but He is so quick to remind me He is in the business of restoration.
LEARN MORE | Check out Navajo Reservation mission trip opportunities for next summer!
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