God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Savior, Lord, Bible, Fellowship, Blessing, Prayer, Hope, Grace, Mercy, Spiritual Warfare, Salvation, Church, Baptism, Heaven, Hell…!!!
WHEW! That goes out to all the emails, blogs, and messages that I wasn’t able to use these original words in! Now don’t call me a holy roller, but encouragement that says, “Dog has amazing plans for you” doesn’t really have an affirmative ring to it :-P
I’m back home in the yee-haw state and it has been such a joy to have spent time with my family for about a week. Yes, only a week :-(. On the go and ready for the next step, college is calling my name! This will be my second year at DBU, and it has been such a blessing in my life! Actual classes begin on the 25th, but I have got all sorts of training prior to (which I’m absolutely looking forward to). The car is all packed up and my joy is just as full; this is only the beginning of an indescribable year of opportunity, challenges, and growth. Oh buddy, I can’t wait!
Of course as a recap from my teaching trip in China, the bottom line comes down to it as being absolutely AMAZING! The whole experience wasn’t so much about a lesson being learned but more of an introduction to the potentials of God’s vast plans in life. As said before, I’ve always desired a vocation outside of the States. With this itch that I was born with, I really found peace and clarity that my spirit was at rest in another country (so far it’s been in China). My personality, standards of living, interaction, and natural chemistry were equally balanced on this trip and it was remarkable to experience. I am utterly aware of the statistics about missionaries in their “honeymoon” and year-long terms of leisure or struggle, and I do know that our stay was a mere fraction of what it took to fully be indulged in that culture. We were practically honeymooning with coconut drinks and hula skirts. Despite that, there was a deeper sense of spiritual peace that professed that I would be coming back to that exact location. Whether it just be for one/two/three more summer(s), one year out of college, or a lifelong commitment, this sense of direction stood out the most of the whole trip and it has been clearly pressed on my heart.
So where to go from there, I don’t quite know! I will pray for open doors, walk with grace and patience through them, and savor the Savior for His unspeakable freedom He has given us in this world. Speaking of Savior, I have got a great blog topic next on the Holy Spirit! Potentially controversial, but totally necessary and ground shaking! Until then my wonderful friends and family
Joyfully,
Joanie
