When I arrived in Butuan, I was feeling a bit low. While I was in Camiguin, I was constantly hot, and it felt like there was nothing I could do to cool off. No matter what I tried, it seemed like I would never adjust to the heat. My appetite had also disappeared, which meant I wasn't getting much energy throughout the day.
Then I arrived in Butuan and got a morale boost I didn't know I needed: ice.
Before this trip, I never would have imagined that ice could improve my mood. But the moment I dropped some ice into my water, something changed. To be fair, it wasn't just the ice in my cup that night. It was knowing there was a refrigerator and freezer nearby. It was knowing that cold drinks and ice were available whenever I needed them.
Now, the ice wasn't some magical cure that suddenly made me adjust to the heat. I'm still not completely adjusted. But it gave me something to look forward to when I was hot and exhausted. It was a small comfort on those days when all I wanted to do was sit inside an air-conditioned room.
Interestingly, when I was out doing ministry, I wasn't feeling low at all. I was joyful. My thoughts weren't focused on the heat. They were focused on the incredible privilege of spending my time telling people about the love of Christ. I got to share with new friends that God loves us so much that He sent His only Son to die the death we deserved and then rise from the grave, conquering sin and death.
The difficult moments came back at the house. Even sitting under a fan, I would sweat nonstop. In those moments, all I could think about was how hot and uncomfortable I was. If I'm honest, all I wanted was to be sitting in a house with the air conditioning running full blast.
Those moments taught me something I hadn't realized before: so much of my life revolves around my own comfort.
Comfortable temperatures. Having a space that's just mine. Having more than four outfits to choose from. Not waiting on transportation. Having cold drinks whenever I want them. The list goes on. I never realized how many comforts I take for granted until I spent time without them.
Without thinking about it, ice is part of so much of daily life. Order a drink at a restaurant, and it usually comes with ice. Come inside after working in the heat, and you probably grab a cold glass of water without giving it a second thought.
So let me ask you a question: How much ice do you put in your water when it's hot outside? How much better do you feel after drinking that ice-cold glass of water? And if ice suddenly wasn't available, how difficult would it be to give up?
It seems like such a small thing, but this summer has reminded me that many of the things I consider necessities are actually luxuries.
I'm thankful that I serve a God who is always working on me. He used something as simple as discomfort to draw me closer to Him. When I didn't know what to do with the heat and frustration, I found myself spending more time in Scripture. What started as a distraction became a blessing. The more time I spend in God's Word, the more clearly I hear His voice.
Who knew God could use a cup of ice water to teach me so much?
Psalm 119:71 says, "It was good for me to be afflicted so that I could learn Your statutes."
Ministry is in full swing, and I ask that you continue to pray for us.
- Pray for the work being done here and that God would use it to impact the lives of the people we meet.
- Pray that the people we talk with would continue to be open and welcoming as we share the love of Christ with them.
- Pray for our safety throughout the summer.
- Pray for protection from the bugs, the heat, and all the travel that comes with ministry.
PH Summer Camiguin and Butuan Teams, Media Intern