Thinking about leaving my family and friends for nine months is not an easy thing to stomach. As the date of my departure from PA is drawing closer (September 6!!) the fact that I am leaving my home country for a what seems like an eternity is becoming very real, very fast.
In the midst of my stressing out, a verse came to mind: “Peace I live with you; My peace I give to you; I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
As I let Jesus take over my thoughts in that moment my anxieties and fears turned into excitement for the what He has in store for me during this year. I began to remember why I was doing the World Race in the first place; The Lord called me to pursue overseas missions. It takes my breath away to think that our great and powerful God can use me, as a mere broken human being, in order to reach the lives that have yet to be transformed by the love of Jesus Christ.
As I am anticipating letting Christ love through me in this upcoming year, I am remembering a time in Uganda when a young village girl taught me the power of love. I was working at an orphanage at the time she walked through the gates, full of hesitation. I was sitting on a hill watching the orphanage boys play soccer as she slowly inched her way over to me. It took her a long time but eventually she sat beside me.
I tried speaking to her, but she knew no English. Slowly she put up her hands, signaling to me that she wanted to play a hand-game with me. We sat in the field for a while, loving each other with our actions. I will never forget that precious child and how she taught me that we are to love one another unconditionally, no matter the circumstances. I am so thankful that I met her and also so incredibly thankful that I have the amazing opportunity to go out into the world and spend the year learning more and Christ and his love for us.
So as I am preparing my heart to leave, I am working to focus my thoughts on Jesus for that is when I am given peace.
I am thankful for my calling into overseas missions. I am thankful for God’s choice to use me. I am thankful for a family that understands and supports my desire to pursue the Lord. I am thankful for the peace that my Lord and Savior have to offer me. I am thankful that I serve a good, good Father.
