Real Entry

Hmmm...well, I guess it is time for a real entry from me. I feel like I have not had much to talk about, but yesterday was such a great day for me I thought I would share...

In the midst of all the books, classes, meetings, programs, students, books, reading, writing...etc...basically, in the midst of all that goes on in graduate school, I think I had somehow forgotten or put on the back burner one of the things that I love...and that is missions, the world, understanding and experiencing other cultures. On days like yesterday (which I will get around to talking about) I find myself asking the question...what am I doing here in the States? Why am I not serving somewhere overseas? And my family, especially Randy, is probably wondering why I find myself asking that question when I gave up that very opportunity a little over a year ago.

On that note, I would like to say that I most definitely feel called to be exactly where I am, and it is the peace that I have in being here that keeps me sane on those days when I am just not understanding Texas, or the days I am feeling overwhelmed, or on the days when I am feeling the most lonely.

Back to my day yesterday, I had the opportunity to hang out with Jessica Murphy, who is in the same program as I am but will graduate this May. She is leading a team of about 100 people (mostly college students) on a mission trip to Kenya, Africa. Just sitting and listening to her talk about what she is doing there, why she wants to go, and how excited she is about the opportunity to give students an experience that will be uncomfortable and life-changing, made my heart stir. Later in the day, I ran into one of my favorite Coloradan students, Amanda, and she told me she is going on the very trip to Africa, and I could not help but be excited for her because I know that trip will change her for the rest of her life. Mission trips have a way of changing and opening people's eyes in a way that nothing else in this world can. What a great way to teach students not only about their strengths and abilities that God has given them, but how they can love and serve others because of those very things.

I ended the day by coming home and talking to my roommates about culture shock (Courtney is a seminary student and taking a class on missions) So overall, it was so great for me to be able to connect with people who are passionate and care about so many of the things that truely resonate with the being God has made me...

So when I ask the question, what am I doing here? I find that this experience truely is an answer to that question. I know that there are so many ways that I will be able to use the degree at Baylor to love students and help them understand and engage in the world we live in, whether that is by working with international students, finding a job where I can lead students on missions trips, or by simply remembering all the missionaries I do know and using the resources I have here to support them as they serve and love in places I wish I could be.