Faith Dickens's Blog
Giving up myself / 09.18.08, 01:18 PM
The year is just beginning and I can’t believe how much I am already learning. I’m learning things about myself, my teammates, my community, my faith, and most importantly God. I am learning to give up myself. I came to Mission Year with expectations of what I thought would happen, and what this year was going to look like, however last week in Atlanta at training I realized that my “expectations” are putting limits on what God can do this year through me and my team. I feel incredibly blessed to be here and I am so amazed that God can use me to minister here in Camden even though I often feel so inadequate. My team got here safely and we are off to a great start learning to share life together in community and ministry.
Our week in Atlanta was wonderful, getting away from our cities and joining with others from around the country who are doing Mission Year. There were awesome speakers who really challenged us. I came to the realization that I have come to Mission Year with my perception of God and the world fitting in a nice and tidy little box. However, after hearing the speakers last week I know that my box is about to be turned over which is wonderful, and scary and challenging all at the same time. There was a lot of information to take in during the training in Atlanta and I hope I can retain as much as possible to help me this year.
Our team got home on Friday morning and spent the weekend in Camden. We expected a nice restful weekend where we could do some grocery shopping, laundry and curriculum reading and spend some more time getting to know each other… God had other plans. While sitting on the porch over the weekend we met lots and lots of people. I don’t have time to write about each of them but we learned so much through some homeless visitors, tons of neighborhood children, a former police officer who we bought lunch for and ended up spending the whole day with as he organized our trip to the laundromat, three guys hanging out on the corner of our street who don’t understand all that “religious stuff” but wanted to hear about our faith and want to talk with us more, some people on a bus who helped us out when we looked extremely lost and confused, and some folks who have lived in the neighborhood for years and have hope that things will get better.
I was selfish this weekend. I was hoping for rest, but that’s not why I’m here. God has used our team and I am amazed at the people he has brought into our lives already. While giving up myself is harder than I expected, I am ready to keep giving this year, even when I’m tired and feel as though I can’t go on because I know God will fill me up. I have seen the face of God first hand this weekend in my teammates and neighbors. I have no doubt that God is right here in Camden, New Jersey and I am so blessed to be a part of it!!!
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I can’t express how largely I smile each time I read some time of update. I also can’t express how genuinely excited I am for you.
Prayers, Prayers, Prayers, are being said – my friend! :)
By Kate Gilliard / Sep 18, 07:16 PM / #
I never cease to be amazed at how God hears and answers our prayers. I love you.
By Gail / Sep 19, 08:54 PM / #
Hey Faith, sounds like God is doing great things and you are being obedient. I’m proud of you and excited to see what happens in the journey. Love ya!
By Susie Reeder / Sep 28, 09:18 AM / #