"Only fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you." - 1 Samuel 12:24
One year ago today I was on a plane to India for an adventure that has changed my life forever and drawn me deeper in communion with my blessed Savior! Sometimes I look back and long deeply to visit those days of quiet rest in the sun, see the smiles and hear the laughter of those beautiful children, and just delight in the blending of language, music and culture that encompassed those several months. Other times I look back further, to the blessings of friendships in other chapters, and I long for them similarly. Having the joy and challenge of working in middle school ministry with my church and playing nurse at a high school every day, I have found myself reflecting more on those days 10+ years ago. At the end of reflecting, I am reminded that I would not be who I am or where I am today had God not faithfully brought me through every blessing, giving and taking away according to the riches of His grace.
All this to say I am learning to look back with Thanksgiving and Joy instead of longing, and recognize that His Faithfulness needs to be remembered daily. After reading through Judges recently, seeing the pattern of wandering and how many times God's people forgot Him and the consequence, I have been humbled that I so easily follow in their footsteps. He is able to do abundantly more than all we could ever ask; this I know because He already has, and His promises never fail! I do eagerly await what He has in store around the next corner, but even more the glorious hope of Heaven.
I received news from India this past week that lifted my soul with great joy! My roommate and dear friend in the community, Lakshmi, was baptized this past week!! She has also committed to the work for at least 2 more years-even if a move far from her family is involved. This is a huge blessing for those of you who followed me closely in the journey, knowing that she nearly left the project last Christmas. Glory to God indeed for the work He has done in her life and all He is doing in this nation! Whether or not returning to or living in India is in my future, I will always rejoice at the work He is doing in that place and in the lives of my beloved family there. I invite you to continue to pray for this nation of devastating corruption and poverty with potential for Indescribable Beauty!
Until next time, I would ask for your prayers for His continued counsel and guidance. Since living in India I have been praying about returning to school and what He would have me pursue-nursing or ministry. I am pretty convinced He is leading me to start Bible school! I don't know when at this time, but most likely it will be here in Spokane to start out. This is something I have wanted to do for a long time, but until now I never had peace about going and He always lead me elsewhere. In the meantime, for the first time in 3-4 years I can truly say that I believe with all my heart and mind that I am in the center of His will for me right now-and that is a Blessed thing indeed! Thank you to all of you who have faithfully pursued me with His love and covered me in prayers-past, present and future.
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful." - Hebrews 10:23
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