Winter Break & Pre-departure Preparations

Packing my life into a suitcase

The day has finally arrived. I leave for the Philippines today! The month that I've been at home since the semester has ended has been short, yet long. I can't believe the 4 weeks at home flew by so fast; it's been a really great time of rest and preparation (getting shots, packing, etc.), yet I feel that the longer I've been at home, the more anxious I've gotten about leaving as I think about all the hard experiences that are yet to come. I'm definitely a planner by nature, and when I'm not able to have this sense of control of my life and know what to expect in the future, it makes me really anxious. I think that's the beauty of God's timing though. He prepares the way for us and knows what we need much better than what we think we do. God orchestrates our lives in order to draw us closer to Him through particular people, places, and events. We just have to be still and listen.

I'll admit that there have been a lot of pretty sleepless nights lately as I think about what the next 19-20 months will be like. There are so many unknowns that I will encounter, never having been to the Philippines before. Where will I be living and with whom? What will be especially difficult for me? How will I handle being homesick?

I find Paul's words in 2 Timothy 1:7 really comforting-
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. I understand that fear is a pretty natural human feeling before experiencing new/hard things, but does my fear indicate that I doubt God's ability to provide for me? Do I not trust Him with this calling? It's likely that 2014 will be the hardest year of my life to date, but I trust that as I serve God in hard places and encounter a variety of challenges and obstacles, there will be sanctification and growth, as I too am molded in the process. In my head, it does seem pretty great...serve God and grow in faith at the same. Win-win, yes?

I want to say thank you to everyone who has spent time with me this last month (in person or not), listened to me as I shared my fears, taken me out for delicious things (I think too many delicious things :P) and supported me in prayer and/or financially.I'm also so grateful for the numerous people who I haven't even met yet who have been involved in preparations for me to go to Manila, praying for me and working out logistical things. I am so, so blessed to be loved by so many wonderful people.

Some prayer requests as I travel and move to a new home: discernment for my future host family (it's still being decided), patience as I learn how to live in a new place and culture and speak a new language, general safety & health, and peace that God would make the Philippines feel like home in due time. Thank you <3

I am so grateful that I serve a God who strengthens and empowers. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2Cor 12:9