Before stepping foot on the race I had fallen in love with the Philippines. I loved the people, the culture, the language, the food, the ministry opportunities, and how God spoke to me while I was there. I loved it so much that I went back for three years in a row. People that know me have seen me in the Philippines and told me that I was made for this place because of the joy and peace that exuded from me.
I came on the race asking God, "Is the Philippines where you have me long term; or will I love every country as much as I love the Philippines?"
Well, after three countries I can say that I love all of them. Peace and joy have exuded from me in South Africa, Swaziland, and now in India.
But what I found confusing is that when I go to speak to people with a foreign tongue in these countries the first language I begin to speak isn't English- it's my rusty Tagalog from the Philippines. A language that I don't use in the states is now the language I go to first. It doesn't make sense.
Also, when I look into the eyes of the beloved orphans of India, Swaziland or South Africa I'm reminded of the sweet eyes that I connected so well with in the Philippines. Conversations I had with "my girls" in the Philippines I am now beginning to have with these girls too. It's dejavu on steroids.
I have begun to ask Abba why and He has told me not to get confused by the love I have for His great world. That love is God given, and the flexibility I have to adapt to cultures very different from my native one are just evidence of the lifestyle that He has called me to. The reason I have sweet reminders of the Philippines is because that is what I know thus far; that's the place He changed my heart, my life and my direction in life. So of course I will always cherish that place and look back on my time there and smile. But He hasn't just called me to the known, He also wants me to follow him to the unknown. He has called me to love him and to follow him to the land He will show me.
"…leave your country, your people, and your father's household and go the land I will show you."
-Genesis 12:1
Thus far God has shown me the Philippines, South Africa, Swaziland and India. I know the next 9 countries He has for me, but after that I have no clue where I will be long term. The thought of the unknown used to terrify me, but now I am rejoicing in the unknown.
The unknown makes me listen carefully, makes me trust deeper, and keeps me open to anything and everything that God has. A great song says it perfectly, "God hasn't failed me yet, and He's not going to start now."
Today I ask you to take a look into your life. Instead of focusing on what you already know, ask Jesus to give you excitement about that which you cannot see. Don't be afraid to step into the unknown because "we walk by faith, not by sight."
