Life is getting real. In two days, I will be on my way to Georgia, where I will be training for a few days before leaving for India on July 1st. I have made countless attempts to cram my life belongings into a backpack and let me tell you, it is quite humbling. It’s been a constant battle of taking out more items each time you pack. Have you ever played the game where you are given a list of things you could have on a desert island and you have to rank them in order of importance? This is now my life for the next 24 hours. It’s a head to head face off of which materialistic item will best suit my need in the next year. Hair brush vs headband; skirt vs shirt; baby wipes vs peanut butter are just a few of the battles I have had to face. (Just in case you were wondering, peanut butter always wins. Thanks Amara for the treat!)
Here’s a glimpse into my packing life 🙂
Over the past few weeks, I have asked friends and family to write me letters that I can take with me to read throughout the year since I won’t be able to receive mail while I’m gone. I’ve come to discover that I would leave behind ANY of my items for these precious gems from the people I love the most in this world. My stacks of letters are replacing possible outfit choices or trinkets from home. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
My heart is so full right now. The past few weeks, I have been able to gather with friends and family to laugh, cry, and recount memories made over the years while looking forward to the plans that God has for each one of us over the next year. I’ve never felt like this before. So much love for the people around me, yet yearning to go and serve the Lord abroad. So many tears shed when thinking about leaving my loved ones in the States, yet knowing with certainty that this is what I am called to do. I can imagine that this must be a little like how Jesus’ disciples felt when they were called to follow Him. Abandoning all that they had without looking back to follow the Lord to the ends of the earth. “And going on from there he [Jesus] saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him” Matthew 4:21-22. In some ways, yes, I am like James and John. I’ll be leaving behind a teaching career and the people that I love to follow God’s call. But unlike the two disciples, I will be carrying you beautiful people with me. Your letters, video messages, and prayers will surround me as I go and share the Gospel. There aren’t enough words to describe the amount of gratitude I have for each one of you and know that I will be covering you with prayers as well.
So as I continue to struggle with packing my things for the year and saying goodbyes, I find joy and peace in the fact that our God goes before us whether that’s in the States or abroad. May you be encouraged by the incredible love that He has for you today and every day.
