I can’t believe that I’ve been back in America for almost 3 months now.
In some ways, it seems like it was just last week that I was
gallivanting around the world telling people about Jesus and showing
them His love. But when I sit in my cubicle at work (more on that in a
bit), and look at the pictures from last year that I’ve hung up on the walls, it
seems incredibly surreal. A picture of smiling Swazi AIDS orphans is
affixed next to a picture of the day we climbed the Great Wall of
China, which is hung next to a picture taken during one of our nights
out at a bar building relationships with Thai women in the sex
industry. Did we really do all of those things… in only 11 month!? But
more and more, it’s not about what we did. But the pictures are
beautiful reminders of the lessons learned, hearts changed, and the
immensity in which I grew in my relationship with the Lord.
My initially turbulent entry left me with little idea of what my life
would look like. As promised, He has directed my paths because I relied
on Him. He surrounded me with loving family and friends as I readjusted
to American culture. He told me to move back to Indianapolis, Indiana.
So I followed Him here. He provided a wonderful place to stay with a friend from church. And He led me to a job!
posting online for a volunteer manager position at non-profit in
Indianapolis that aims to get school supplies into the hands of
low-income students. I didn’t really feel ready to start working, but I
sent in my resume anyway because I felt a nudge from the Lord. The next
week I was interviewing with the executive director in Indianapolis.
Two weeks after that, I was a working woman with my first official
post-college job. It was the only job I even submitted my resume for!
Based on the usual effort required to get a job these days and the
perfect timing with which the process unfolded, I have no doubt in my
mind that this is exactly where the Lord wants me. I’ve been working
for a month now and really enjoy working with the volunteers and the
rest of the staff. It keeps me on my toes, but I’m the type of person
that needs a challenge!
At the beginning of July I am going back to Nicaragua with my house
church. I will be on the Pacific coast this time instead of on the
Caribbean coast. Honestly, I’m not entirely sure what we will be doing.
But that’s the way I like it. 1) It will be a good reminder of life on
the Race, never knowing what’s next. 2) Our lack of plans better allows God to show up and show
off.
I’ll post another update when I get back from Nicaragua!
