It's really not that late. We are nearing 10pm, but I know I should be in bed. Sleep is not what I'm interested in right now. In fact, my mind is racing. I'm full of excitement, uncertainty, and useless energy. In less than 7 hours we will be waking up and heading to the airport. Destination- Durban, S. Africa.
I've been reflecting a lot these last few days. Reflecting on how awesome Jesus is. How He directs us, how He plans for us, and if we wholeheartedly obey, how he showers us with His love and graciousness. I've been thinking about how long Grant and I have waited to serve in this capacity. And now that the day has arrived, it hardly seems like we've been waiting that long at all.
But before I get ahead of myself, it might make sense to explain what we're doing and who 'we' are. 'We' are the September, 2010 iThemba Lethu missions team from Overlake Christian Church. Although there are only four of us, we have an amazing team. Our leads, Reed and Jessica are fantastic! Really. They both have admirable servants hearts and have done an amazing job preparing us for this journey. Not to mention, they make some killer nachos that sound pretty good right about now...
Grant and I make up the second half of our team, and couldn't be more excited to see how we are used on this trip. iThemba Lethu is the OCC partner organization in Durban who we will be serving with. On the weekends, we'll be helping the youth workers run leadership camps for 6-8th grade kids, and during the week we'll get to hang out with all the little ones at iThemba Lethu. I'm certain it will be an unforgettable, and life-changing trip.
And as I continue to reflect on this season, I can't help but feel truly grateful for all my many blessings- an amazing husband and family, irreplaceable groups of friends and a new church home that feels more like family.
I can't wait to see what is in store for the four of us, and simply pray that each conversation and interaction is 100% led by Him. Oh, and I wouldn't mind uneventful, and smooth travels :)
Love you all,
Andrea
Twinks! I'm sending lots of love your and Grant's way right now. You guys are going to do amazing things on this trip and I'm so proud of you both for taking the call and running...or rather flying ;)...with it. Can't wait to follow this journey with you. Love you! Jacs
ReplyDeleteWhelans will be praying unceasingly for you guys. Can't wait to hear all the awesome stories!
ReplyDeleteHave safe travels, an amazing experience, and so excited to hear all about it - ! MUCH love from back here, we'll miss you tomorrow.....! Praying, praying, praying for you.
ReplyDeleteMy beautiful friend. I am thinking about you today and always! This morning at the gym, I found myself wanting to lean over to the person next to me to chat about life...but they may have thought that was weird, so instead, I read my book... but still thought about chatting. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI came across this article the day you left about a woman that went to teach in Kenya...
The article talked about her being nervous about understandng why she was going to Kenya - her purpose in it, etc.
Anyway, the verse that was written in this article definitely reminded me of you and I wanted to share.
If you find yourself asking God at any point on this trip, "Why did you bring me here?" please remember this:
"Let me tell you why you are here... You're here to be light, bringing out the God colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as publc as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand- shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:13-16 The Message)
I am SO incredibly excited for these children to see Jesus through you and Grant. You amaze me... Everyday... And I love you to pieces. I can't wait to see how God uses you and this team these next couple weeks and beyond.
xoxo from Seattle!
~Ana
Thank you all so very much! Ana- thank you for sharing that article with us. There are some moments when we step back and think, "Where are we? And what's is God's purpose for us on this trip?" He has moved in us and challenges our hearts on a daily basis. I can't wait to share these things with you when we return.
ReplyDeleteAndrea