I'm in New York right now, finishing up our initial orientation before flying out tomorrow afternoon for London. We'll have a 12-hour layover there, so we're hoping to explore a little outside the airport! London in a day...It will still be exciting (:
I do feel right now that I am in a sort of calm before the storm. Everything here at AIM's headquarters is so peaceful, quiet, and homey (picture quilted bedspreads and all the hot chocolate you could drink), but I have a restlessness inside that I think is part nerves and part readiness to finally be in Africa doing what I've been preparing to do for the last year. And as we've been assured, it will not be a "cakewalk." I don't think the storm will necessarily be bad--just strong, fast, surprising, and fierce. It will shake me up--turn my way of living upside down, blow away old beliefs and worldviews and wash off any remaining thoughts I have of what the "right" way of living is and what the "right" way to love our amazing God is. It will uproot my relationship with God and replenish it in a new light...Replant it with a new heart, new hands, new mind.
There is an old, beautiful library here with windows for walls and tons of old books that make the room smell exactly like: Camp Hiawatha's cabins, the Bach house at Verm, and the saunas at both camps. My feet sank into the carpet, and I couldn't bring myself to leave this beautiful place that smelled like so much laughter, love, and happy memories. As I was sitting in there with God, I wondered what it will be like when I return in May. I figure the sunlight will stream through all the windows and the trees outside will be turning green and alive, and the books will still smell just the same. But I can't begin to imagine what I'll be thinking or feeling--or that I'll be anywhere near the same person I am now. Sometimes I'm scared of who I'll be when I come back...What if this isn't my home anymore? But that's a thought for another time. I still have to go!
At my grandparent's church, a gentleman named Sid left me with this advice: "Life is supposed to be dangerous! Christian fellowship isn't about sitting around having coffee and donuts...It's about being out there in the trenches together, fighting!"
So tomorrow, I am off to the trenches. Time to live dangerously! (: Thank the Lord, I do not go alone.
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Brittany you should make your blogs into a book! you're such a talented writer. When I was reading this I was amazed by it. I felt like I was reading someones journey, which I technically am but yeah when you get back you should think about it. Any ways off subject I hope you're doing well and I know God's going to do great things in your life! As for change it's a good thing. When I went away those two summers I didn't come back the same person but that was a good things. I grew as a person and that's what God wants. I'm still Bekah just a stronger version :) Anways I'm praying for you! Let me know if there's anything I can be praying for you for. Lots of Love from MN
ReplyDeleteBek
We'll be praying for ya sis! Remember that God will never leave you or forsake you. Looking forward to reading about how it goes.
ReplyDeleteIt was so encouraging and challenging the quote that you put from the guy at your church about what real fellowship is. It is so true and so hard to find real fellowship. I woke up Monday morning and remembered that you were flying that day so my mom and I prayed for you. Just wanted to let you know that I have been thinking about you. What an encouragement you have been. Seeing your lifestyle and all you went through with trusting in the Lord with this. I will continue to challenge myself by honestly praying for you. I will miss talking and praying with you in the basement of Harvey Hall about the new mission opportunities in Africa that have opened up :) May the Lord bless you for your faithfulness.
ReplyDeleteRach
Hey Brit,
ReplyDeleteI heard from my grandma that you were heading off on this crazy adventure! I hope you learn and grow as much as your anticipating during your time in Africa (I think it'd be hard not to!). I'm writing to wish you luck, but I'm also writing to get an inside scoop. For a while now I've been thinking about a growing adventure similar to yours and I was wondering if I could catch some insight from someone living it firsthand.
I'll be reading your blog and praying for you and the people you're helping. :)
Kate Wolff