Our trip to Botswana is getting closer and closer. And now that I am home, it seems more real than ever. I have moved out of my room and said all of my goodbyes. Natalie and I leave January 14, 2011. We will be at home for the next 3 weeks until we leave. Nevertheless, the Lord is already at work in my life, challenging me in ways He never has before. I have been anticipating this trip and the mighty ways the Lord was going to use it in my life. I was waiting around for this "big" trip I was about to take, with the mindset of "God is GOING to do awesome things in your life". Rather than seeing that the Lord was indeed ALREADY DOING big things in my life. As usual, He reminded me just how much I underestimate Him. He has been busy using this time before the trip has even started, in ways I never would have expected.
Saying goodbye to Union and all that comes with it was harder than I had ever expected. Letting go of the things that I have been used to for almost 3 years was something I on my own did not have the strength to do. But, like always the Lord uses painful times and hurt to bring about good and growth! As a result of Him stripping me of these things I have grown to depend on and become used to, He has driven me to my knees at the foot of the cross in need of comfort and joy! And as I result, I have found comfort that I have never experienced before. I have been given peace and joy that can't be taken away. I am being shown daily that the Creator of the Universe desire's to be my everything. He is the only place that I can put my dependence, and He is in fact ALL I need. This is definitely a daily battle. I would be lying if I did not say that there are many days where I am tempted to not believe this. I feel fear and loneliness without my friends. But amidst my doubt, the Lord continues to show me His unconditional love, and reminds me that I am safe in His arms. He gently whispers that He is all that I need, and He will never leave me. He is using this time and will continue to use it to show me that He is the ultimate COMFORTER, ENCOURAGER, and FRIEND!!! He has taken these things away for this period of time, to show me more clearly who He is and what He desires to be in my life!
This will definitely be a journey, a difficult one at that. It already has been one. But it has been GREAT! And one thing I know for sure, God is so GOOD and He is at work! He is FOR me, therefore what can be against me!!
I will continue to keep everyone updated! Be in prayer as we do the last minute things, and finalize all the "small" details. Thanks!
Are you finished w/ your Union education? Aren't you only a junior? I thought you were only doing a semester in Botswana. How long will you be there? Are you going back to Union for your senior year? If so, when will that be?
ReplyDeleteGod bless your missions ministry in Botswana.
Yeah! I am going back to Union after Africa for my senior year, Lord willing. I will be gone for 4 1/2 months. I will go back to Union next August.
ReplyDeleteOk, well, keep the updates coming on your blog. I have you on my blog reader.
ReplyDeleteAre you majoring in missions or something similar? Going into a career in missions?
Lauren and Natalie,
ReplyDeleteI hope you receive this post once you've safely landed in Africa. I'm so proud of you both and never cease to be amazed at how the Lord works in your lives (and mine). I am praying for y'all to be bold, have strength and health, to hear and heed the Holy Spirit, and to love on all those you meet. I'm also praying for your memory. I know that sounds strange, but I hope that you can remember so many details of your trip and how God works and what you see and experience. These are priceless memories, no less, that will certainly bless those who hear. This will be one of the best trips of your life, I know it!
l-o-v-e, april