When I started this trip, I thought I had my life planned out. I would go on this crazy 11 month trip, go into a two year LPN program, and start living my life in Ghana, West Africa. However, God has a sense of humor. I knew that, considering the sense of humor He gave me, and the whole ‘being made in His image’ thing…
But this trip has changed my perception (and plans) in ways I never could have imagined.
Here is a blow by blow of the crazy things God has told me (yes, told me) over the past 11 months:
Guatemala (M1):
God told me that I needed to be ready to let go of my plans. He was faithful, and always would be, so I should be content in His timing.
Al-righty, I can do that.
Panama (M3):
God told me that I loved my hair too much. I found that ironic, since I have always hated my hair. However, the more I thought about it, I realized that I was very vain about my hair (when it worked with me, not against me). So, I cut it all off.
The Philippines (M4):
God told me that I wasn’t going to get my LPN degree. Instead, I am to get my RN degree (two more years in college).
That sucks. I mean, I love school, but two more years than I planned on going? I don’t want to, but I can do that too.
He also told me to let go of the anger and bitterness I was holding towards the people who had judged me for having darker skin than them. Everyone from my childhood, my teenage years, and even in the very cafe I was sitting in.
…I can’t do that. But with You I can, so You need to help me.
He also took away my plans to work at an orphanage in Ghana. After that month at the orphanage, I knew that was not my calling. Which, when I am really honest, was a goal but not a dream anyways.
Thailand (M5):
God told me that resting is a Biblical principle. He rested on the seventh day, and He didn’t even need it! Also, that if you need dental work done, DO IT!
Well, not going to argue about that!
Malaysia (M6):
God told me to let go of my judgments on peoples’ appearances. We were in an area that was 90% Muslim, and I was judging people left and right. He showed me that people from all backgrounds, colors and statuses need Jesus the same amount.
Oh snap. I didn’t know that I was doing that!
He also told me I would be back to see my Malaysian family someday too!
Kenya (M8):
God told me to let go of my hatred of children. They were also made in His image, and I had no reason to avoid showing them His love.
Fair enough. Gunna need help with that too…
God also gave me a heart for the country of Kenya, and told me that I would be going back.
Tanzania (M10):
God told me that I was harboring a lot of bitterness towards a lot of things. I also had many idols I didn’t know I was living for. God informed me that they needed to go. That my bitterness needed to be dealt with. He started with teenagers. I hated them even more than children, but He used a classroom full of beautiful young women to show me that I had more love to give than I realized.
That He has more love to give than I realized.
Point taken.
India (M11):
The first night we arrived, the family prayed for us before we went to bed. Within the first minute, I heard God say very clearly, “You are coming back here.”
Wait. First Kenya, and now India? What about Ghana? What about working at an orphanage?
It hit me at that moment that God was changing had been changing me since month one. When had that happened, and where was I?!
Ok, so at this point, you are probably thinking:
1: God doesn’t talk. You are crazy.
or
2: You really learned all that over 11 months?!
And the answers to those comments are..
1. Yes, He does talk. Ask Him sometime to talk to you.
2. Yes, 11 months is definitely long enough to change a life :).
What really amazes me is that in the moment, these changes seemed small. I was never that excited about Ghana, so I didn’t miss that. I wanted to be a nurse, and God wasn’t taking that from me. He was actually upgrading my goal. Sending me back to Malaysia, Kenya and India is awesome, and I cannot wait. Teaching me to love other without bitterness and anger has made my life 100x easier.
Overall, I am pretty excited to come home and see what else God has for me.
Once again, if you guys have any questions, please leave them in the comment section. At the end of this month I will be answering all of them in a final blog, and I would like to have as many as possible so I don’t have to go back and update it 🙂
Love you guys!
comments = love!
