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)

³ Trust in the Lord and do good.
    Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.
⁴ Take delight in the Lord,
    and he will give you your heart’s desires.

⁵ 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.