(Continued from Part 1 here)
My mind was still swirling from the past few weeks, as I sat on that last plane ride home.
Everything had fallen into place so quickly and easily, I wasn’t quite sure what to make of it all. But I did know that it had God written all over it. And I knew that where I was going, really was my home.
I couldn’t help but laugh at the thought that God brought me ALL the way around the world to plop me right back where I started, Dallas, TX. I told God he could send me ANYWHERE at all (even Africa) and I would go. A BIG part of me wanted Him to send me back out, too. I wanted to serve, I wanted to meet the needs I’d seen this year. I wanted to do whatever God had for me and surely that meant the mission field. (Why do I continually think I know what's best for my life? Maybe one day I'll learn)
I do have a degree in it after all… and I’m willing… and I’m single… and I’ve love it… and did I mention I’m willing?
Yet, when I gave the choice back to God, He had other things in mind, better things, bigger things, and a few things very close to my heart that He let me keep.
Oh, how spoiled I am by God.
So now that I’m home (and have been for almost 3 months…),
WHAT AM I DOING THESE DAYS?
Well, I’m living in Farmers Branch, TX (a suburb of Dallas) and I work at Dallas Christian College (www.dallas.edu) for our Foundation (that’s just a fancy name for the Advancement department).
And that means I’ve gone from this:
Honduras (Month 2)
& this:
Tanzania (Month 9)
"Hi my name is Beka Joy and I’m a missionary who lives out of a backpack and sleeps in a tent."
To this:
& this:
"Hi my name Beka Hull and I’m the new Director of Community Engagement. Oh, and how do I walk in these heels again?"
(Okay, so maybe not that last part… but learning how to do that again was pretty funny)
So what does that mean? Well, I’m in development, non-profit development also known as fundraising. Eww, there’s that word, fundraising. Didn’t think I’d be doing that as a PROFESSION, ever.
So that’s how I know God’s in it, because I didn’t see it coming.
I was looking more at full time missionary in Guatemala or Thailand.
Not an office.
Definitely not an office.
But that’s where God’s called me, to an office, my office at my college.
A college that trains men and women to be people of influence for God’s kingdom. The people that graduate from DCC go on to change the world, I’ve seen it. So I know that even though it is still hard for me to see the impact I’m having on the kingdom from behind my desk, I KNOW that God is multiplying my influence & HIS kingdom in this world 100 times over, as I help to grow a college that sends out kingdom workers.
The work isn’t easy, as I find myself most days spinning in circles trying to figure out what the heck I’m doing, but I’m also thankful for the team I work with. They are patient, kind, understanding, and encouraging as I learn slowly how to do this whole development gig.
Then at the end of the day, when I sometimes feel discouraged or confused, I rest in the fact that I am right where God wants me… and well, it doesn't hurt that being here also includes a BIG community of people that love me well and full.
Oh and I love them, too!
The hugs from those I missed while I was gone, never get old. The words “we’re glad you’re home” still ring in my ear often. The meals and conversation shared with dear friends are infinitely more precious to me. And when I think about all the blessings God has given me, I can’t help but smile.
So for now, my backpacking, world traveling, missionary days are on hold, but I promise you they aren’t over.
I know there are more missions adventures coming my way in the days, months, and years to come, and I’m looking forward to them when it's time.
But for now, I’m going to soak up every minute of my life exactly where I am, because I think there is no better place to be, as long as Jesus comes with me.
And after all, who said you can't have an adventure in your own backyard?
