I’M SO FREAKING EXCITED.
(If you don’t get the reference, click here)
Goofiness aside, I am getting so incredibly excited about so many different aspects of this trip. It is one of the most common questions that people ask me: What are you most excited about?
First, let me say that this is an incredibly difficult question to answer, because there is so much to look forward to. Second, I am trying really hard not to develop too many expectations. I want to be open to the movement of God, and be willing to do the unexpected. Expectations in situations like this can limit receptivity to the Spirit, and set oneself up for disappointment. Going in with fewer expectations doesn’t mean I can’t go in excited. So without further ado, I would like to answer the question: What am I excited about?
I am excited to…
… eat Turkish Delight in Turkey. My inner child/ the C.S. Lewis lover in me can’t help but look forward to trying Turkish Delight. I have been intrigued by it since I was a child and read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. It was delicious enough to get Edmund to betray his siblings for more, so it must be pretty tasty! And how cool will it be to eat it in it’s country of origin? Super cool.
… once again drink de’longhi. There is a magical and delicious coffee drink called de’longhi in Bangladesh. It is what dreams are made of (seriously). I drank it almost everyday when I was there several years ago, and I still think about it often. I can’t wait to drink it again.
…be exposed to new cultures. Cultures have always fascinated me. I love learning languages, eating new foods, hearing people’s stories, and seeing different ways of life. I’m fascinated by and passionate about discovering the narratives and customs of other cultures. On a human level, I believe that this is an important practice because it makes us more empathetic and less selfish individuals. When we sit in an unfamiliar culture with willingness to learn about it, we not only cultivate interpersonal skills, we also learn to see God differently. Ultimately, this is a huge part of why I believe that encountering other cultures and the diversity within them is important. I believe that through interaction with people, God reveals different aspects of God’s character to us. The greater amount of diversity that we interact with, the more revelation that we experience, and the more we learn. If we approach these conversations with a posture of humility, openness to learning, and willingness to be challenged, I believe that God can do amazing things in us and through us.
… develop deeper and authentic relationships with my Squad. I’ve only known these people for a month, and I already have major friend crushes on all of them. This is a group of radically cool individuals who are so on fire for God, it’s incredible. We have been getting to know each other over Facebook, group messages, Google hangouts and texting, but screen time no longer seems adequate. I CANNOT wait to meet them in person and delve into deeper relationships. These people are who I am going to spend a transformative and challenging year, but I can already tell that no matter what happens, we will love and encourage one another through it.
…go to Greece. There are no words to express how excited I am to go to Greece. This is a recent change to our route, but a welcome one. Although I am saddened that Tunisia was taken off our route, Greece is a country that I have been intrigued by for many years. In fact, when I told one of my best friends about the switch, she turned to me and yelled excitedly “You have always wanted to go there!” Truth. I have! I was already so excited about this route, but this addition made me even more so and confirmed my call to this particular squad.
… travel in countries with rich Biblical history. My inner theology nerd cant wait to go to countries like Greece, Turkey, Georgia and Morocco, which all have biblical significance. I was a Christian Scriptures major in college. Because of this I have spent large amounts of time doing exegesis projects and investigating geographical significance of places mentioned in the Bible. Did you know about 60% of the places named in the Bible are believed to be in Turkey? Antioch, Aphrodisias, Ephesus, and Myra are all there. Georgia, Greece, and Morocco all have there fair share of places too- some of which hold and interesting parallel to the journey I will be on, as they were stops on Paul’s and the other apostles journeys.
…see how God works. No doubt, God is already working in incredible ways in the places we will be going. I am just excited to aid in this work where I can, and be a vessel of reconciliation that allows God to work through me to promote peace, pursue justice, love radically, restore relationships, and ultimately preach the Gospel through both word and action. Moreover, I am excited to see not only the work God does through me, but also in me. I already feel God moving in my spirit, preparing me to be radically changed and experience exponential growth while I spend a year serving. It makes me a little bit nervous, but mostly it makes me really excited.
This list of things I am looking forward to is by no means comprehensive and all inclusive! There are so many things, there is no way I could write them all down. I am eager to start this journey and excited about sharing it with you.
I still have about $1,200 to raise before September 25th, the first fundraising deadline. If you feel led to give financially, please click the support me button at the top of the page. Anything helps!
Shalom.
