Currently, I am sitting in a hotel room in Washington, D.C. trying to figure out what to say in this blog. Our 11 month experience has officially begun. People are pouring in from all over to get some last minute training and experience some worship and togetherness. It is still a few days before we leave the country. But just a few. Our race has begun. Fighting for our community, investing in one another, discovering the practical ways to move a small horde of people around the globe.
The last couple weeks have been really nice. Time has slowed down a little. I got to spend some time with family over Christmas; then a few days in Houston with my brother, sister-in-law, and nephew; then a few days alone with Jesus in New York (how is it that a city of 8 million people is where this introvert best feels the needed solitude to regenerate his focus on Christ’s Presence?). And now, Washington for a few days before heading to Ecuador.
I am excited to go on this journey, also a little afraid, certainly overwhelmed with the logistics side of things. I keep waiting for that moment, where it all comes together and I am filled with nothing but joy. But I am not so sure God works that way. We do. No matter how often or strenuously we are told different, we expect a moment in time, a bang, a scene, where it all comes together.
The last couple weeks have been nice because I have gotten to spend small portions in a few really important ways. Leaving some of myself behind the kitchen in Houston when my little nephew yells “Budder” hoping I will come chasing him. Shedding off some of myself in the arms of my parents as I say goodbye. Abandoning the peace and comfort of the familiarity and control (relative) I feel in Midland. Losing myself. Sharing who I am. In bits and pieces. And now a new journey begins, and I am coming to realize that it is going to shed layers off of me in bits and pieces as well. Leaving sheddings of my heart with orphans in Africa and the enslaved in Asia, and every stop along the way.
A new journey begins today. A Kingdom Journey. He will continue to tear me down, in bits and pieces. He will continue to fill me up, in bits and pieces. It won’t be a snap or a sudden gasp of totality. But little by little. Moment by moment. Experience by experience. Day by day.
Thank you for joining in this journey with me. Prayers appreciated, especially for my responsibilities as Logistics Leader and my ankle.
My next blog post will be from Ecuador…
