Things are really wrapping up quickly here at FPO. In less than a week my family will be here to see all 300+ missionaries be commissioned. From there I will head to South Carolina for a few days and then make my way to Georgia to spend the rest of my free time with family and close friends before flying out on Oct 16. I knew FPO would go by quickly, and it certainly did. God has taught me so much. As usual, I think the biggest lessons I have learned have not been in the classroom.
I have learned that I had a lot of fear about going to Tanzania. I still know that it is going to be hard, but I am confident that God is going to be there each step of the way. I have also learned that being a missionary has nothing to do with my own desires and comforts, but with God's desires and plan. So many times in life when I find myself unhappy in a situation I think that I must not be in the right place. I am learning that my happiness cannot be determined by my situation. I have learned that I like to journal, but only inconsistently. I bought a great journal to take with me on the field that I am sure I will look back one day with amazement.
One of the biggest things that God has taught me while I have been here is that emotions are nothing of which I should be ashamed. In our study of Acts, I noticed that when Paul left a city all of the Christ Followers came to the boat to watch him off. The Bible says that they mourned for him. Paul, the incredible missionary, shed tears over leaving his brothers and sisters! I hope that I will follow this model and let all my friends and family know how much I love and will miss them.
I could go on about friends at FPO. For some reason, God always seems to provide me with incredible friends. FPO was nothing different. I am so thankful that God allowed me to grow so close to so many peers who are in this same 'in between' stage. I cannot imagine taking this step without their support.
I was officially issued my tickets today for Tanzania. I am on my way! As scary as it seems, I am so excited that God has allowed everything to come through to get me to this point. What an incredible honor it is to serve Him in this capacity.
There is so much more I could write, but it is almost time to head to the Allan's for one more CESA dinner. Until then... it's just me!
