I recently went through a weeklong debrief at Lake Malawi, and Wow! Did the Lord know that I needed this.

Life on the field is exhausting, it is tiring, it is beautiful, but what a lot of people forget is that just as anyone else, missionaries need their off days, as well.

Debrief is a special time for our squad. We have three over the span of nine months. Our mentors and coaches fly out from America to meet us, and we spend time together as a whole squad, which is something that only happens as debriefs. We also spend the time debriefing the last few months of our lives. A lot happens on the field, and a lot needs to be debriefed and brought before the Lord.

Debrief is teaching me the importance of being refilled, refreshed and renewed. Without being refilled, refreshed and renewed, it is nearly impossible to do ministry to the best of our abilities.

Debrief has looked a lot like sitting around the pool with my squadmates — several one-on-ones with friends, squad leaders and mentors, squad worship and squad sessions. It also has looked a lot like debriefing and processing what has happened in this crazy life of mine over the last four months.

Debrief was such a sweet time to spend with the Lord, dive into his word and to just reflect with the Father. Lake Malawi is easily one of the most beautiful places I have ever been, and it has made time with the Lord that much more beautiful.

Soon, we will head to ministry, and for the first time in a few months, I will feel completely rested, refreshed and renewed, and I am so excited to take this refreshment to the field.

Keia Blair is a Seymour native who attends Cincinnati Christian University. During her nine-month mission trip around the world, she is submitting a series of blogs that will appear in The Tribune. Send comments to [email protected].