Why Australia? That's a good question, one for which I do not possess a great answer. While Southeast Asia stole my heart when I was very young traveling throughout India, an opportunity to move to Sydney opened up and I pursued it. I have always desired to live in another country before settling down, and even after marriage and children, but there was always something standing in my way. I kept hearing people say, "Get a college degree," then "Get experience." Well now I have both and I'm grateful that I listened to that sound advice. However, after working in the secular world, I discovered myself being pulled more and more toward temporal things that don't have much eternal value. I felt the tug inside my heart to do something more: a dream I held close long ago was nudging me again. So I began to pursue opportunities around the world: Ghuangzhou China, Bolivia, Alaska, Norway, Cambodia and Australia. I have always wanted to travel to Australia and here was an opportunity that was pursuing me as much as I was pursuing it! The decision was not easy and even still, insecurities remain. But forgetting what is behind, I press on to obtain the prize for which God is calling me.
How do I feel? Scared, excited, unsure, stoked, eager, exhilaration! Do I have a job lined up? No. Do I know what I will be doing? Not really, at least not in great detail. This is an act of faith. There are seven recent graduates and one family moving overseas for this adventure and I'm eager to meet and reconnect with all of them! I have experience sharing my faith in an atheistic country and while it's challenging, it is also very exciting. Seeing the expressions of a person who is hearing about Jesus for the first time or reading God's words for the first time is unique, especially coming from the bible belt of America where everyone you meet is a "Christian." Sometimes I feel like you have to spin Jesus just the right way to catch someone's attention in the south; it's like you have to make God and Jesus trendy before you'll get a response from some people. So I'm excited for this opportunity to travel, to grow, to be stretched beyond my capabilities, to learn how to be mission centered.
As I wrap up my last week in this city of Tallahassee that I've grown to love so dearly, I feel bittersweet emotions. Saying goodbye to friends at work, packing my material possessions, eating out of my pantry and freezer and trying to be creative with the perishables I have left, and leaving best friends and families are all very challenging. On the other hand, an unknown adventure awaits and my perfect, loving, omniscient father is my pilot! I'm learning more and more to lay my anxieties at his feet and to trust his guidance.
Please join me along this journey of self-discovery and personal growth!
Because a thing seems difficult for you, do not think it impossible. --Marcus Aurelius
So excited for you Elizabeth! This is going to be an awesome experience, I can't wait to see what happens in your life.
ReplyDeleteIt is admirable that you remain true to yourself and your desire for what is eternal. I know you will draw near to God above as you experience the land down under. Be safe and God's speed! Love you
ReplyDeleteWhat Great Faith!!! You Go Girl!! I cannot wait to see what God is going to do with such an Amazing Lady like you Down Under. You've got skills on so many levels, they are going to love you over there! However, your main mission is for God. May He make your path straight and every ear open to hear the Good news. I am so proud of you! :)
ReplyDeleteElizabeth, I am so excited for you. I truly feel blessed to have gotten to know you this past year. I am happy you are stepping out, exploring, & sharing God's word. You are destined for greatness! I cannot wait to hear about your journey. Miss you already.
ReplyDeleteDear Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteSo good to know through your profile on the Blogger and also I am glad to know your love of the Lord and obeying Him and stepping out by faith in the unknown World where God is leading you. I am sure that this adventure is going to be excited, fulfilling and bringing glory to God in obedience to His leading. God would bless you where He leads you.
Well about me, I am in the Pastoral ministry for last 33yrs in the great city of Mumbai a city with great contrast where richest of rich and the poorest of poor live with a population of 18 million of which half of the population lives in the slums of MUMBAI, India and those who live in the slums are the people who are poor, marginalized, underprivileged and socially, politically and economically oppressed. We reach out to such people with the love of Christ to bring healing to the broken hearted and give them hope,future and purpose in their lives. We also encourage young people like you adults from West, who in obedience to God's call step out to a unknown world to bring healing to the broken hearted. Since missions is very much on your heart we would love to have you come and use your nursing skill in serving the sick in bringing physical as well as spiritual healing to them. Due to unhygienic conditions in the slums people in the slums have different kinds of diseases. These people can not afford to go to private hospital for treatment. We conduct Medical camps in the slums and give them free medicine. Please pray about it and if the Lord leads you do come on a long term or a short term missions trip. Looking forward to hear from you. My email id is <dhwankhedeatgmail.com