Today was our first day of ministry in North Carolina. We finished training camp a couple days ago, and now we are serving for two weeks in NC before heading to Guatemala.

10 of us spent today gardening for a local food ministry. They collect and grow produce, giving it all to people who would not be able to afford it. It was incredible to help them prepare for the next season. We did simple tasks from pulling weeds to laying down mulch--anything they needed done.

The dirt on my hands reminded me of the simple joy of serving others. We joined the work God was already doing as He uses this ministry to give food to hundreds of people every week. There's also a simple joy in knowing our tasks made an impact on the future. The seeds we planted will grow for weeks and later be eaten. Overall, these simple joys pointed me to a greater truth.

We, as people, want to make a difference. We, as Christians, get to make an eternal one. We get to plant and water and harvest for God (2 Corinthians 3:5-8). We partner with Him in His ministry, accomplishing the tasks He gives us. Then, He uses our work to grow His relationships with others and provide life to them.

I'm grateful for this day full of simple joys, and I am excited to see what else God has in store!