My summer adventure to South Africa is finally getting close enough that I have begun counting the days. I made the two day road trip home with a car packed with what was left over from 5 years in Los Angeles. All the cliches describe it, " a new season", "a new chapter","the turning of a new page". As much as the unknown causes anxiety it has also resulted in the joy of anticipation. What's next? A summer internship in South Africa. After that? I have no idea. In a way its comforting because I know I can focus on the moment and the new experiences that are ahead of me without being too concerned about the next step before the first one has even happened. I had this same feeling before I left for India not having any idea what I was going to do when I returned. I believed then and believe now that this experience will have an impact on future decisions. First things, first.
I heard from my internship coordinator who began to paint the picture of what my summer will look like. As a resident of the township I am humbled to have a chance to learn from his experiences and his own journey of faith. His heart to stay and serve in the neighborhood that he grew up in despite the challenges of poverty is truly inspirational. It will be a blessing to be mentored and discipled by the team leaders who are also African. Along with youth ministry we will have time for fun things too including going on a Safari. This is on my bucket list which is so exciting! I'm just as excited as I am nervous.
In my devotions the Lord has spoken to me the words and scriptures related to "preparing the way". It is an antecedent statement that occurs in the prophets as they declare to Israel the hope and coming of the Messiah. They must have spoke with such conviction and vision. The Lord has been prompting me to prepare the way in my own life through worship, prayer and most of all hope for such an encounter with the Living God. I pray I have daily encounters with the presence of God that reminds me more is on the way.