“Where do you see yourself in 10 years?” This question is one that I’ve been asked quite a few times over the course of my life. If I remember correctly, the first time I was given this question to reflect on was in my 8th Grade Language Arts class. Shout out to Ms. Brune (who is by the way.. still one of my favorite teachers)!
I don’t remember my exact response to this question but if I had to take a good guess, I’m sure it would look a little something like this:
Go to college (preferably UCLA).
Get good grades.
Play on some sort of volleyball team.
Graduate college.
Get married.
Travel around the world with husband.
Have 2-3 children.
Own a big house.
Have a nice car.
Own a horse and lots of land.
Spend lots of time with family.
Travel to Africa. Feed the starving children, families, people.
Volunteer at church.
Be in musicals.
Sing in church choir.
For the most part I’d say this is a pretty common 8th grade mindset, at least it seemed that way when my friends shared their very similar lists. Though many of these things have not yet happened and some dreams have changed since 8th grade, their is one big dream that is about to come true; one that happened to be on that list.
AFRICA!
As many of you know, my 5 month journey in Asia is coming to an end.
In just a few days we will be hopping on a plane and making our way to Africa.
To tell you all that I’m excited would be an understatement!
I have cried tears of joy and have been in absolute awe thinking about how God engraved in my heart the desire to go to Africa many years ago. I remember having conversations with my best friends Tony, Raisa, and Jacob in middle school about how I hoped I’d get the chance to travel to Africa someday.
Get this! As I was writing this blog, God reminded me of something incredible!! He helped me piece together and realize that exactly 10 years ago (in 2007) I was in 8th grade; the same year Ms. Brune asked the class this question. I cannot help but see God in that! And to think that I’ll be in Africa in 3 short days blows my mind! I have no clue what to expect in my two months there but I know God is faithful and has put this on my heart for a reason.
While writing this blog God also brought to mind a couple verses;
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4
I like this verse because it is a promise from our Father in Heaven. If our desires align with His will, He is true to His Word. This trip to Africa is only one of the many testimony’s of His faithfulness and goodness in my life. He paved a way for me to go to Africa and to love on His beautiful people while I’m there.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity.
Jeremiah 29:11-13
It fills me with joy knowing that the Creator of the universe cares for us so deeply and loves us with an indescribable love. He desires to give us good things and for us to have solid futures. Another thing that I love about this Scripture is that He is a God of relationship. When we call on Him and pray to Him, He listens. He is a realllyy good listener. 🙂 So each time I prayed for an opportunity to go Africa, He heard. When I signed up for the World Race in August 2016, He answered my prayers!
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog and come alongside me throughout this sweet journey! 🙂
Happy New Year!
“Song of the Blog“ – Yes and Amen by: Housefire
Coming Soon: A summary of my time in Vietnam
Important Info: During my first month in Africa, I may have access to wifi only a handful of times. If I don’t reply to your messages, it is nothing personal. 🙂 Love ya’ll!
Prayer Requests: My biggest prayer request this month is that I keep my heart and mind open to what God wants to do through me and what He is speaking to me. It would be awesome if you all could pray for obedience, confidence in Him, and constant surrender of things that I’m not meant to control or hang onto. ~ If their is anything that any of you need prayer for as well, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Sending love and hugs from Vietnam,
Caleigh Lorraine Schuur
