Well, this is it. After almost a year and a half of planning, fundraising, breaking the news and fantasizing, the time has finally come. You probably landed a little over an hour ago… and are most likely freaking out a little on the inside (Jessica) and the outside (Dad).
You guys have spent the last 24 years trying to bestow some sort of wisdom on me. Some of it has stuck (my enjoyment of the simplicity of life) and some of it hasn’t (cleaning my room). But now I get to take this rare opportunity to offer some wisdom to you. With a year of traveling the world and mission work under my belt, I want to pass this on.
Record why you are doing what you are doing. I know Jessica is only one in this crowd that enjoys writing, so maybe a video is in order, but I strongly encourage you to do this. A month, 6 months or maybe a year from now you might be laying on your bed, drenched in sweat, swatting a mosquito every 15 seconds wondering why. Why would you ever put yourself through this? Why did you answer the call to go? Why put yourself through this discomfort? Remember why you stepped on that plane today.
Do not worry. Jesus mentioned that several times for a reason, and those verses will come with a whole new depth to them in this new season of your life. The world of a missionary has a rule: Things will almost never work out the way you planned, but they will work out. Worrying will only exhaust you and distract you from what you are there for. Seriously Pops, it’s not worth it.
Don’t let the need overwhelm you. I had to learn early on that my job was not to save the world. There will be need all around you, probably literally knocking at your door. You will see hurt you cannot heal and needs you cannot fulfill. Your only responsibility is to love the person in front of you. Rice and beans, tennis balls, a clinic or even the best self-sustaining program in the world will not save that country. It’s love that brings change. It’s the most life-changing, powerful thing God has allowed us to take part in.
Drop your expectations God will surpass them… every time. Expectations will only bring disappointment. Embrace the unknown. The sooner you relinquish control, the better.
I’m sure there’s more, but half the fun of this adventure will be to do the wrong thing a million times and then find the lesson. Have fun, don’t take life too seriously and let God do the rest.
I will hold down the fort in America… for now. I’ll let you know if my address changes so you can send me Christmas presents.
Love you all!
Your nomadic daughter
