So, June 27th - DDAY! - will be here in 32 minutes (departure day). And I'll be on my way to Africa.
We'll fly through the night on Friday, arrive in London early Saturday, and arrive in Nairobi 10pm on Saturday night. Sometime around midnight, Nairobi time, I should be crashing in a bed at Mayfield guest house, surrounded by my eight checked bags and large hiker-backpack carry-on. At least, that's what you can pray for.
I'll be in Nairobi until July 2nd, when we'll travel to Machakos for three weeks of Africa Based Orientation (ABO). If you remember, this is where I did the children's ministry last year, but this year I'll be going as a real missionary. That is finished on July 22nd, when we'll go back to Nairobi and I'll go on to Kijabe! I'll spend over a month there before school starts in September.
If you want to know how I feel about leaving . . . well, it's been a roller coaster. There is a certain baggage incident that I may relay at a later date, or you could ask my Charlotte friends or my kind, supportive parents to tell. The moral is, God is faithful. I am limited (and forgetful) but God is faithful. That has been a nice lesson to relearn.
Today I was having a little cryfest after talking to my family and my grandma. I was frustrated by my sadness, feeling that this should be an exciting moment, but I just couldn't get past the emotions of leaving, saying goodbye. (My least favorite word in the world). I was really in the depths of despair. In the midst of trying to talk myself out of it, I looked out at the enormous pine trees on the front lawn. From my spot on the picnic table, they all but filled my view. I thought to myself, I should go in and get my camera. But no, my lens isn't wide enough. Do you see the life metaphor there, or do I need to spell it out for you? My life lens just isn't
wide enough right now to see the whole picture. And as a wise friend told me, I would be too overwhelmed if I could see it all anyway. God gives us what we need, when we need it.
And, after another hour of crying, I felt better. :)
Lots of love. Look for the wide angle.
4 comments:
POOLY! I love you so much little friend and am praying for you today and always. Can't wait to hear updates. Great life lesson :) The funny thing is, you probably have a bigger "lens" than anyone I know.
LOVE you!
Sometimes all we can do is focus in, but it's a comfort to know that God not only sees the big picture, he's the one who makes it. We heard the luggage story. The happy ending related by Erin last night. Praise Him!
On this Saturday morning, as you wing your way over the continent of Africa, I am imagining that first whiff of East African air and taking a mental trip with you on the drive from the Nairobi airport to town. Breathe some jacaranda, bouganvillea, diesel fume, burning trash, cooking fire, sweet Kenyan air for me!
We miss you so much and will be praying for all the transitional time.
Lots and lots and lots of love,
Beth - for all of us!
So glad you shared the story of the "wide-angle" lens! It is good for us all to remember! Love you bunches and bunches!
Carla
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