Flexibility Adaptability

From the first official team meal, two words colored the adventure that we would have as we worked as one unit to take the gospel to Burkina Faso: "Flexibility and Adaptability". We miraculously finished our medical training just hours before departure the morning of November 11 with time to meet new team mates and mentally prepare for the journey ahead. I was prepared with bug spray, sunscreen and plenty of clothing for whatever may lay ahead. As we prepared to grab our boarding passes I received devastating news:

"You can't check any bags on the flight. We have too much luggage so you can only take a carryon and you will have to carry one more bag of our supplies for the mission. I'm sorry."

I looked at my luggage with a sick feeling as the options raced through my mind- would I have to throw away all of my clothing before we departed? With a simple Jansport bag, how could I possibly fit everything that I would need for 11 days? I felt panic creeping over my shoulder blades as our medical trainer chimed in at the perfect moment and suggested that I trade my bookbag for his and quickly pack enough clothing in his bag full of compartments.

I felt nervous as I realized all that I did not know. I feebly packed what I thought I would need and weighed options with logic that reminded me that in the middle of the West African summer I would never need a heavy sweater or boots. As I surveyed the meager possessions that would accompany me on this trip I was reminded of the words in Philippians 4:19 that say, " And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches and glory in Christ Jesus. ESV"

As I eased into the missionary life, I realized that even those things that I thought I was leaving behind could not help me in such an extreme environment where hot water was scarce and we all found our refreshment in the company of our coworkers and community. By the third day, I was glad to have a condensed wardrobe that was easy to pack, easy to clean and versatile as I transitioned from field work to praise festivals at the presidential palace. The ability to adapt was invaluable as I learned how necessary it is to remove myself from the equation when committing to a life of service in the name of Jesus.

Before we boarded the plane, I had already shed twenty pounds of clothes and left a favorite pair of boots in the trash- a simple price to pay for a gentle reminder to stay flexible and adaptable in all things.