Since February 11th God has been asking me to spend some time in Northern New York. I'm not sure why it was such a struggle for me to come to terms with that fact, but it was.
He's shown me this plan clearly, in many different ways, each time more forceful than the last. He had to be forceful and direct because until yesterday I didn't want to accept it.
I kept seeking different counsel.
First I talked to the leader of the community where I serve. If I leave she'll have a lot more work, so I thought she would try to convince me to stay. But she told me very clearly (on two occasions) that I should go.
My Pastor told me that I should go and if NY didn't work out, there is a place in the mountains of Germany that would be a good option.
Fany said she and Laura will miss me while I'm gone, but she gets it.
Even my Mom is supportive.
Yesterday I met with the leader of Honduran Fellowship of Missionaries. It was in that meeting where God finally gave me peace about the idea. So now I am able to share it with you.
I don't know why I am so stubborn. I knew it was His plan. I guess I just hoped He would change His mind. LOL!
I don't have all of the details worked out but God made two things very clear:
1) I'm to go to Northern New York, where I grew up
2) I will spend three months there
The purpose of my time there is to rest in Him, get treatment for my ankle, and be in a safe place for a while.
I have tons of logical justifications for why I shouldn't go. But if I don't walk in steps of obedience, I am not following God's will. That is not the life I want for myself.
So, on Monday I will talk to my head boss and try to explain all of this to her.
I am praying about timing. So far God hasn't shown me the WHEN part. I'd love to go for July, August and September. That way I could attend two special weddings, be in the US for the 4th of July, and see the leaves change in the Adirondacks. But I have a feeling that's not His plan. I believe He wants me to go sooner.
I will continue to pray about it and let you know how the whole thing evolves. To be clear, I am not feeling called to stop serving in Honduras.
Three days ago was the five year anniversary of my arrival in Honduras. Here are some photos of my anniversary party. We also finally celebrated Isabela's birthday.
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| The power went out. We were supposed to have homemade pizza and smoothies. Thankfully I had nuts & veggie trays. |
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| Carlos made a surprise appearance! He's working hard in his new school and doing well. |
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| Erika and Alexandra |
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| Isabela and her cake |
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| My coworker (the head of the community we serve) and me. Other coworkers came, but I forgot to get photos! |
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| Me with Alexandra |
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| Laura, Marjory, and Isa |
And me in Jamaica! I really hoped that the trip to Jamaica would get rid of the nagging feeling (aka God's voice) that I was supposed to go to the US. Jamaica was awesome, awesome, awesome! But afterward God showed me even more powerfully that I am supposed to take three months in New York.
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| The swing outside of our hotel room. We had one of the four best rooms in the whole place, right on the ocean. It was only three days, but we made the most of every moment! |
