Well, the never ending prep work is finally done. All that's left to do now is pack, which will be a huge undertaking as well, because I leave in SIX days! That's right folks, on Sunday I will be boarding a plane to Cape Town. My emotions are everywhere, but in between the ups and downs God has given me an excitement that has been steady. I'm nervous, yet excited. I'm sad, yet excited. How that works, I'm not entirely sure, but I'm going with it. This weekend I went back to my parents house to leave my car with them, and found my "Nation Notebook" that I did when I was in the 6th grade about South Africa. The past week or so I've just been really struck with the kindness of God towards me. As I packed and left my school, where I've been for the past 2 and a half years, I was grateful for such the fun college experience He gave me. And now, He's provided this incredible opportunity for me that I've dreamed of since I was a little girl. He really does give us the desires of our heart!
That's not to say, however, that I haven't felt really nervous and scared about the whole thing. I really don't know what to expect about alot of it, and it's this great big unknown. Leaving everyone I love and going some place completely on my own has given me a new awe in the fact that the God I worship here is the same God over there. In admist everything changing, He is the same. He's going with me and holding me hand, and I am so grateful.
Wrapping up this post, I do have some specific items that I would really appreciate prayer for:
1) Living situation: I don't know anymore if I will be on campus or off. I'll start off on campus, but it's my strong desire to live in Observatory, an area of town that is close to Jubilee. If I'm on campus, it will be difficult for me to get involved in Jubilee. However, living on campus is more convenient and cheaper, as renters will want to up the rent once they know it is American student who will be living. It's hard for me right now not knowing where I'm going to live, and knowing I'm going to have to figure that all out when I get there, in addition to being a new country and figuring out life there.
2) Classes: I've gotten several of their classes pre-approved for credit at UMSL, but I don't know how many, if any, of those classes will be offered this semester, and once again, won't know till I get there. If they aren't, I have to figure out classes that hopefully will count towards my degree, but won't know until I get back home! Like the living situation, somewhat nerve-wracking, but an awesome opportunity to learn a greater dependance on God :)
3) Adjusting to life there: protection from the enemy's lies and feeling of loneliness is huge for me. Also that I could really hit it off initially with some people from Jubilee and begin forming relationships with them there. I know that will really help me feel like I have family away from family here.
"But let ALL who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. For surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as a shield."-ps. 5:11-12
You'll hear from me again when I'm on the other side of the world!
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Marth! i'm so excited for you! after reading this post, it's evident God has provided this as such a wonderful opportunity for you (the notebook, haha!) and he will provide for you through it. i'm confident he's going to do some great things in you during this time. i will be praying for you and of course, thinking about you. we will surely miss your face, but enjoy the adventure!!! love you.
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