Are you sure Lord?

     Well, today marks the day... Exactly one month until I leave for the pride lands of Africa, until I embark on the journey of a lifetime, and enter into a world unbeknownst to me for 5 full months. On January 16th I will get on a plane with my fellow travel-mates and begin the adventure across the world to settle into my new home in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; where we are scheduled to arrive on January 18th- my birthday! I can't believe I am going to be able to spend my 23rd birthday in South Africa! Ahh God is so good! There is so much going through my head at this very moment, so many emotions- excited, anxious, nervous, joyful, and yet fearful of the unknown and the unexpected. My expectations for this trip are completely uncertain, I'm really not sure what to expect, what exactly is planned, or what will be taking place day to day. But isn't that the excitement of it all? God has definitely thrown my world upside-down these past few months, He has grown me to trust Him in our times of uncertainty, and I know He is asking me to trust Him even now as I am about to embark on this suspenseful journey. 

     About a year ago when I first received my acceptance into the program to study abroad in South Africa my heart dropped. I was so filled with fear; I questioned God as to whether or not this is where He really wants me to be. Is this where I am called Lord? You want me to go all the way across the world for THAT long? Are you sure Father?... I was really hoping I would hear from Him, that He would show me some way out, give me some sort of sign that it would be good for me to just stay in the comforts of southern California. (I think He may have laughed at my timid inquiries.) In the midst of my questioning and uncertainty I came across the verse Joshua 1:9 four different times in a matter of 3 days. It showed up from all different places, people, and divine coincidences; it had been personally sent to me, in my Bible reading, and posted by numerous friends within those few days. It's not often that I can say I really hear God speaking directly to me, but when He does He sure makes it clear that we don't miss the point He is making. I believe He wanted me to read that verse not once, but 2, 3, and 4 times over again. Okay Lord, I see your message! Joshua 1:9 says, "...Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." I really do not think He could have been more specific in His will for me at that very moment. Okay Father, I am going to Africa! You will be with me WHEREVER I go and I will not be frightened. So here I am, leaving for South Africa in exactly one month, ready and willing to serve my Master wherever He takes me. My prayer is that He will grow me to know him better, trust him more, and learn how I can better be a humble servant for His glory alone.

"I want to be a vessel, truly purified and ready to be used by you Jesus" -Jeremy Camp