A voice rings over the intercom, passenger boarding for flight, 359 please come to gate F12.
Meanwhile the Nigerian man, Ademola, next to me at the charging station starts to read my blogs from his phone. We got to talking when I heard him laughing at the movie he was watching on YouTube.
It’s an African movie…from Africa.
Oh cool! What part?
Nigeria.
That’s awesome! I’m moving to South Africa tonight.
WHAT?!?
As we carry on, he’s fascinated that I’m moving back after traveling the whole world. He goes on to ask what I think about the food, the weather, etc. I learn about his family in Nigeria and how he won a lottery to get here. We talk about things we like on both continents and the differences.
I fly out in ONE hour.
Atlanta, Georgia -> Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul, Turkey -> Durban, South Africa
It’s all becoming very real. I’ve had a few moments today of what am I doing??
I had a minor meltdown in Target with Porter before we got to the airport. Just attacks of insecurity. Then a verse we memorized in Macedonia plays in my head as I shuffle through shirts that all don’t look right, “…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable– if anything is excellent or praiseworthy– think about such things,” plays in my head. And I realize, the things Jesus taught me this year are sticking!
I got this!
I got this, because He got this.
I’m over here telling the Lord, I’ve never done this thing before, but I’m trusting you in full faith that you’ll take care of me. You led me here and blessed me with this decision. Lead me all the way. I’m surrendering any expectations I have about moving to South Africa and being with Lindani. I’m going into this with hands wide open.
You guys, I’m soooo happy.
Any fear has been washed away in complete trust and abandonment. It’s an hour before the flight and I’m still this happy. I keep thinking, I wish someone wrote a book on what to expect when you move to Africa to be with a rugby player, but nada.
My rawest emotions right now, when my mind blocks out the airport noise and Ademola’s movie, are intense gratitude, humility, and joyful anticipation.
God has done this thing in my life and I’m in awe.
So if you’re moving to Africa and don’t know where to start, here’s a book for you– the Bible. It comforts and shows you the route out of the wilderness. It presents a path that epitomizes the meaning of life; regaining the intimacy we lost in the Garden of Eden by loving God and loving His people. Worshiping Him with your actions and decisions. Praising Him with whole hearted gratitude. For me, that’s it. That’s all I need whether I’m in Vietnam or Serbia, America or South Africa. He is the point.
I’m grateful I get to continue following His calling– open to what He has for me in South Africa– all the while protected in the comfort of the Holy Spirit.
