Friday, June 15, 2012

Transition

Sometimes I ache for Zambia within my very soul. I can picture it clearly without even closing my eyes. I can feel its sunshine on my skin and its dust between my toes. I can hear its quietness beautifully interrupted by clanging wake-up bells, the laughter of friends, and the rambunctious symphony of children opening the mouths of their spirits to say "I love you!"

Zambia wasn't just a trip. It was a journey back into the arms of my Lord.  There, I pictured Him more clearly than ever before without even closing my eyes. I felt His embrace around me when I held the children at Namwianga, when I walked in the sunshine, and when I saw Victoria Falls for the first time. I heard His voice midst the bittersweet melodies of life there and back home.

How can I deny the passion that has been put on my heart? I never--NEVER--thought I would be "one of those people" that went to Africa, came back to the states, and longed to go back. Who have I become that I have thought of it every day since and wondered "When will I go back?"

I am in a time of true transition. I was awarded a Master's degree about a  month ago, and since then I have been sleepless over what to do next. Here is the bottom line I have discovered of late: I am terrified of making the wrong job choice because I am afraid the wrong choice is what will prevent me from returning to Zambia. It seems silly now that I sit down to write about it---if Zambia is truly a passion, then how about the next steps involve tentatively planning when I'd go back? Hm, good thought self.

My friends, I am asking you to pray for me as I contemplate my next steps. Pray that I take hold of the boldness and strength that I have already been given, and that the Lord will bless each path I take.



Psalm 37:3-5

New Living Translation (NLT)
Trust in the Lord and do good.
    Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.
Take delight in the Lord,
    and he will give you your heart’s desires.
Commit everything you do to the Lord.
    Trust him, and he will help you.

Jeremiah 29:11

New Living Translation (NLT)
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.