It actually happened at LDFC while I was praying and trying to surrender more of my life and the concerns I was holding on to to God. Anyhow, I suddenly got a very strong impression and realization that I could and SHOULD pursue going to Belgium next Summer after I graduate to help our friends for a few months. It was a very "strange" sensation because it was one of those things I had known about for a long time, ("that" being the fact that the family needed people to take care of our friend and had young ladies from around the world that would come and help take care of her), but never had a huge interest or feeling of being called to do it. I almost didn't feel like I was "worthy" of being one to take care of her. Like somebody more spiritual, more mature, more devoted, or something would be better suited. Anyhow, it happened suddenly at camp, and it was like God dialed my phone number and called me up to go. What has surprised me more is that I'm actually quite excited (and nervous and scared) about the whole thing, despite the fact that there are a lot of things I will have to give up (LDFC dance, fairs, a CCI puppy during that time, Steed's possible graduation, etc.) It will be a hugely new experience for me, and my first time away from home for so long... and such a LONG ways from home! But at the same time, I think God has many lessons and encouragement and growth in store for me through the experience, and I hope that I may be able to encourage and somehow strengthen the Petries in some small way while I'm there. At this point everything is still tentative. I've been in contact with our pastor's wife who knows some of what's involved and is in close contact with the family. Mom and Dad know about it, and I told the rest of the family and some of the youth from church last night during a sharing time we had. We're still in the "prayer stages", and I'm still waiting to get more information to find out if this is indeed what God wants me to follow Him into. The feelings I have about it are completely mixed and swirled. I'm excited, scared, thrilled, nervous, and just about everything in between. But I know if this is God's will, it will happen, and something Good will come out of the experience for me, or the family, or somebody else, or all of us. I haven't really been "publicizing" this information yet since it's still very tentative, but I could use some prayer support right, and I know you guys are good at that. :-)
I will definitely keep you posted on what ends up happening, and perhaps some of the progressions through the next few months as I find out more and hopefully am given the clear direction from God as to whether He really has called me to do this.
I will definitely keep you posted on what ends up happening, and perhaps some of the progressions through the next few months as I find out more and hopefully am given the clear direction from God as to whether He really has called me to do this.
