A New Way Of Life

Two weeks ago on a Sunday afternoon I arrived at my new home, the Doulos! As I approached the ship within the group of new recruits, I experienced a welcoming I will never forget. A few hundred people from nations around the world were waving flags, shouting warm welcomes in many languages and greeting us with smiles and laughter. It was so special I was almost overcome with emotion. It was a joyful and exciting day. It was so great to finally arrive at the place I have been awaiting for months.

I was shown around the ship by my “big sister” Carola, who is here to help me adjust and to answer any questions I have about life here on the Doulos. As I walked through the hallways of the ship it felt in some ways surreal to me. This is definately not an opportunity many people get to experience in life. To live and sail on a ship with a large community of Christians believers, doing ministry everyday, traveling to foreign countries and meeting people from foreign cultures. I have to pinch myself to believe I am here and that Jesus has choosen me to serve him in this way.

The first week on the ship we were ported in Kota Kinabalu. A few days ago we arrived in Pasir Gudang, Malaysia . We had a 3 day voyage that was very nice. It was a very smooth voyage and we were able to see many dolphins! At first it was strange for me because I had never been on open waters before with no land in sight! I really enjoyed it though. The ocean here is beautiful. Every time I go out and look at the sea I am in Awe!!

Life is very fast paced here on the ship. The first week was very exhausting! I was very overwhelmed with so many new things, exciting things, and details with work. I am beginning to understand that life here in many ways will be challenging. This past year of my life I have come to understand that it is in the challenging times when Christ teaches me the most. When I am challenged is when I learn the hardest lessons and it is when Jesus strengthens me the most. Although in the mist of hardtimes it is frustrating and sometimes painful I have learned to be thankful for challenges.
This week has been less stressful. A few nights ago was prayer night. It was 4 hours long but it was so good for me. Jesus was really working in my heart and I was finally able to say for the first time since I’ve been here: Jesus, do what you like with me, I am fully yours… I surrender. I was deeply encouraged that night and I felt so content and peaceful. The overwhelming emotions have for the most part gone away and I am starting to know many people and adjust to life here on the ship. I am so excited and thankful to be here.

I have 3 roommates. They are Ye In (from South Korea), Leyla (from Paraguay) and Essie (from America but grew up in Japan ) I love them! I am so thankful that we were put together and we get along very well. Our room is very small and we have no porthole. But it is cozy and it is the people that make our situation worthwhile. Jesus has answered my prayer of placing me with 3 girls I can connect with, get along with, have fun with and pray with.

The word Doulos means servant. Everyday it is so important that I remind myself of why I am here. I am here to serve. To be a servant of Christ and to allow him to use me in whichever ways he wants to. It is so easy for me to get caught up in other things like making many friends or sight-seeing in the new countries we visit. Please pray that I will daily remember my focus should be on Christ. That above all else I would seek him for my identity, my joy and my strength. That his grace would be sufficient for me.

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