One giggle from Anna-Leah was all it took. My heart was hers; I was done for. That was last summer where I found myself in Tanzania. I returned from Africa to my cozy bed, moved into a new house and revisited a life run by comfortable routine.
It’s ironic how at times we get what we pray for; only to whine about what God’s putting us through (guilty). After all, that’s what landed me in Africa; I solicited not to be comfortable. I chalk it up to a moment of weakness; I didn’t really want to ditch my life of luxury. I was happy.
However, the respectable Christian girl I was Googled missions and stumbled upon the World Race. I knew this was it. I ignored it. Become a missionary? Give up a year? Yeah right.
I resolved to do things my way. I left Texas for the Big Apple with illustrious dreams for my career and a plan to fall in love with New York. On the contrary, I was left feeling empty. I was confused; this had been my dream for so long. Here I was working at a big name fashion house on 5th Avenue with aspirations to work for a magazine after college. I wasn’t feeling it. I spent 4 months convincing myself I could force myself to love it.
I returned home and graduated from Baylor University in May. I listened to friends’ exciting post-graduation plans and fought tears with each story. I knew where God wanted me but it wasn’t what I’d envisioned. How could I leave for a year? How would it affect my career? What about my selfish desires? I spent weeks applying for jobs and hiding from the Lord’s plans. It wasn’t until I admitted defeat that He was able to share those plans. For now, all I know is it includes surrendering this year and racing around the world like a crazy person. The notion of backpacking and tenting in various parts of the world most likely brings laughter to those who know me. It makes me laugh too.
Others have fun stories about “the call.” Mine wasn’t a call; try a deafening shout, slamming of doors of possibilities, and running, lots of running.
I craved and sought approval from everyone I knew about this journey, except for the person who mattered most, my Savior. I’m grateful the Lord is patient with his children. He can confirm I’m one of his most stubborn daughters.
Here I am. Trading my proverbial ways for an unfamiliar journey. I am excited and fearful. I have questions and answers. I have turned in my spiritual tennis shoes; I’m tired of running. I’m ready to see God’s kingdom.
I think best of all is discovering God hasn’t called me to be an outdoorsy ‘granola’ kind of a missionary. I forget God knows me. He created me and gave me my personality, talents and passions. I’m learning I can serve Him in unique ways and use my desires to reach the nations.
And that’s how I was called to this crazy thing called the World Race…
