How can I put into words all that has been in my heart? When I think of the possibility of Africa, part of me sees it as a dream--completely out of grasp, while another part of me wants to run and hide and forget the whole idea, because it's so completely beyond our comfort zone. However, beneath all these conflicting emotions has been a peace and understanding that God is totally in control.
I have to honest in saying that this isn't a random, out of the blue idea. We just didn't realize it at the time. In previous posts, I've said how pivotal India was in my life . . .it changed my perspective as an 18 year old and without realizing it, I just knew I would be involved in missions to some extent. Thankfully, I married someone who shares these passions.
When Kim and I taught in children's ministry, I remember writing a series called "Mission Air", where we took the kids around the world to experience missions. We didn't have dreams and ambitions of traveling far, just stirring up a passion for missions among those around us. It's funny how these things from years ago come back to memory . . .
The vision for missions was renewed when Kim and I visited Mexico while on our anniversary trip. 3 years later, we returned with our family and our world was shaken. This journey of faith went beyond just going down, building a home, helping out and having our perspectives shifted. On a much deeper level, the lessons continued when we returned.
A year ago, I felt God telling me that there would be a shift in our life and we would be carving a new path. The routine no longer was satisfying and an undeniable uneasiness that change was coming stayed with me. Mexico taught me so much about peace, safety and surrender. In the midst of different living conditions, I could see the dedication and love in the faces of the Canadian and American missionaries who chose to serve in another country. The sacrifice wasn't easy, but seeing their passion for the people that God brought into their lives touched me.
At home, watching my oldest sick in the hospital I was reminded of the need to surrender my children (their health, their future, their very lives) to God . . . and trust that He will take care of them.
Now, as we consider the possibility over going overseas for 2 years, the surrender is being pushed to a whole new level. Whatever comes of this trip in July, I know that God knows our hopes and our dreams and has plans that go far beyond anything we can ever imagine.
Who ever knew that 10 days in Mexico could lead to a trip to Africa??
Oh yes, remember the "Pop Bottle Story"? Well, I think we are back to collecting pop bottles for July . . .
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