Last year around this time I was freaking out over projects, papers and holiday parties. I remember cramming in two lengthy papers along with a preaching assignment at a local church. Not to mention that the weekend before all of this was to be turned in I chose to take a 4.5 hour bus ride to Raleigh to attend a Lecrae concert (totally worth it though). It was actually Thanksgiving day of last year that I finally submitted my application for the Race. I used to spend time reading blogs of world racers and delaying my Greek homework a few more hours…
Life was pretty busy then – but it was good. I enjoyed being a student and pushing myself to do well while still making time to appreciate people and friendships. College was an enjoyable season of my life and I know I grew tremendously over those four years. Still, in May it was time to move on. I had finished that season and was ready for what the Lord had for me in the next.
This new season is always moving, ever changing. While last season was full of 20 page papers for college professors, in this season I’ve found myself writing note after note in response to all the cute little children who have written to me. In this season, instead of eloquent paragraphs meant to discuss theology and biblical truths I am able to respond with very small words and with the simple and beautiful truth: “Jesus loves you and I do too.”
A note from some of the precious children at Happy Home! Our last two days were full of "mail" and drawings. It was a joy to sit and respond to all of them!
I love to see how the Lord has equipped me to serve in each place and for each season. At school I had a passion for education and for relationships on campus. In Nepal, I was overwhelmed with a love for the children. I’ve always kind of been afraid of smaller kids…I mean they’re so fragile! It takes a lot of time, patience and gentleness to care for kids. Still, this past month was so refreshing as the smallest things were exciting and fun for the children.
Two nights before we had to leave it was Pemba’s birthday. He was turning 8 years old. Our team went to get a cake, found some candles and we made a photo album for all of the kids to keep. I have never felt so blessed. I was able to put the candles on the cake and light them as the kids started laughing and singing. Sweet Pemba just beamed. He had been telling us about his birthday all week long.
Pemba with his birthday cake. My team thought he looked like George Bush!
While last year in November I was thinking of my brother as he celebrated his birthday, this year I was able to watch the joy of an 8-year-old as he opened his stickers and new pencil box. (Don’t get me wrong, I was still able to call Caleb and talk for a bit, but from a few more continents away than last year.)
In any season, the Lord is there. He is leading, loving, calling me into something more. I know this Race, this new season, has 7 more months…but at the end it will lead into another season. And he’ll be waiting for me just like before.
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven."
-Ecclesiastes 3:1
