Africa Update

I'm still not sure where I'm going. The trips for Spring 2009 have not yet come in from the field, even though I was told they would be by June 1st when they originally called me. The missionaries are so busy with the projects for Fall 2008 that they haven't sent in 2009's yet.

But of course, South America and Asia have... ha.
God's timing just forces us to be patient, doesn't it?

I called them today to ask about when they would be up and if there was anything else I needed to do, like an interview or something, and she said no... at this point I have been approved. So the only thing that's left is to:

A. Wait. For the trips to be posted. Because I want to go to somewhere in East Africa, Erin said she would call the Central and East Africa department and ask for a round-about date when the projects will be turned in. She'll call and let me know so that atleast I can plan a bit and know when to check back. Of course I will probably check every day anyway, haha. She said atleast by July 1st.

B. Once the projects are posted, choose my top three (atleast) and send them to Erin or Chad. This will include letting my decision marinate for like a week, just because I think that's wise. More waiting.

C. Then the board will meet and assign projects. More waiting.

D. Get a call from the IMB and find out where they've placed me. Hopefully by the end of summer.

So. That means. That as long as everything continues to work out and no trips get canceled... I am definitely going to Africa -- somewhere in Africa -- in the spring. Ohhhhhh my gosh.

For some reason this still hasn't sunk in yet. Perhaps because I haven't sat down and straight-forwardly talked to my family about it (although I do believe they know the present situation), which I will when they are all here next week. Perhaps because I haven't prayed a ton about it. Perhaps because I have had so many other things on my mind that need more attention than this, including a mission trip I just returned from.

Perhaps because I'm absolutely terrified and I can't believe one of my biggest dreams is coming true. Africa.

I think it's just because I haven't received where I'm going yet and it's not all set in stone. So I'm just brushing off because it's not certain yet.

Prayer. Would. Uh. Be amazing. For patience until July. Discernment and patience with God and myself as I decide. More patience as the board decides. And peace and joy and dedication once I am assigned.

Oh. My gosh.

-Rachel.
www.hands-on-africa.com