The last couple of months have been a whirlwind. Between studying abroad in Italy for four months, graduating college (yay!), and preparing to leave for 11 months this August, it has been a lot! Finishing my degree abroad was one of the most exhilarating yet challenging things I have done. It wasn’t challenging because of cultural differences or not speaking a local language, but difficult because I was so far removed from my own reality of preparing for this journey God has called me to. One of my greatest joys is planning and organizing, and to be in a totally different part of the world allowed me to give total control of my situation to God. Quite frankly; I was helpless. It was hard to give up control of fundraising or gear shopping which is nearly impossible while abroad. But I was again reminded of Jesus’ hand over my life which is far better than any control I could ever have over my own.
The enemy thrives off taking our weaknesses and deceiving us. While in Italy, it was easy to look at other people on my team and see how well their preparation was going. But it was a lie that I was being fed. I was comparing my situation to someone else’s. But my circumstances were/are different and that is the most beautiful part about it. God calls us all to different paths in life because He created us each so differently. My journey leading into these eleven months is going to look so much different than my other brothers and sisters because God created me with specific needs, desires, and callings that are different from theirs.
It was hard being away from my beloved community, my church home, and a support system of friends and family. But God is so gracious in what He calls us to. Sometimes we need to be fully removed from a situation and all the comforts it has to offer to push us towards intimacy and reliance on Him. Being in Italy for four months away from every comfort I knew made me turn to Jesus so much more. When worldly comforts are stripped away from us (even if they are gifts from God) it makes us realize how Jesus is truly the one thing that is able satisfy. He is the Bread of Life! (John 6:35) And anyone who comes to Jesus to be satisfied will never hunger or thirst. He fulfills all. He conquers all. He endures all. And each day leading up to my departure date I am opening my hands to accept these unwavering promises.
As beautifully stated in Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
