Only a few weeks ago I got all dressed up, put on a very giant, ugly gown and a silly cap with a tassel that gets stuck to my teeth every time I smile and walked across the stage in my college auditorium to get my diploma. Actually, it was a fake diploma, but the sentiment was the same- I had finally finished college and graduated with a 4-year degree. It was a great moment to see something that I had been dreaming of since I was a little girl (I’m such a nerd) come to a successful close.
At the same time it was pretty sad. I had spent a lot of time and energy creating a home and new life for myself in Green Bay and had many close friends. In fact, college is really special to me as that is where I first came to know God- my freshman year- and it holds so many wonderful memories and people. It was also sad to say goodbye to these people I was so used to seeing every single day and the most loving community I have ever been a part of. Knowing that I wouldn’t be there for big life events such as weddings and graduations made it even more difficult. Turns out life goes on without you.
And now I am standing right on the edge of starting this crazy international journey serving God and staring at all the unknowns in front of me. I am currently in Atlanta for launch where we have been recieving some more training on things like how to live in close community in a healthy way, cultural sensitivity, and some of the more practical aspects of the race such as safety. It has been good to see everyone again, but also overwhelming. I was sort of going through the motions and not truly able to grasp what was happening until just last night. I was with my team and we were setting goals for the year and it just got me back to the root of it all; serving God and finding joy in whatever He calls us to. That reminded me why I was here and volunteered to do crazy things like live out of a backpack that I am terrible at even getting closed and eating off of four dollars a day- because God is my love and He has given me His heart and passion for his people.
We’re sleeping at the airport tonight and then flying out to Ecuador in the morning. Our ministry will be in Quito and seems to be a mash-up of so many things; youth ministry, teaching English, evangelism, construction work, and working with kids. I have a feeling that this will be one of those things that we just have to get there and see to really understand.
So here I sit- my last night in the United States with butterflies in my stomach, hope in my heart, exhaustion in my body, and joy in my soul. Here’s to the beginning!
