No, I didn’t get 2 Corinthians 5:7 tattooed on my foot this month. That was the first thing that came to mind when I chose this title. Still, June has no doubt been a series of small steps in faithfulness. What have I been up to? Appointments fo dayzzz. Support raising appointments to be specific. This is post Go Week so I guess that technically means I am “trained” (yikes). Still very much winging it (Sorry Katy). My baby steps in faithfulness have allowed me to push past some self-doubt and worry for the future and the best yet, I have seen and felt God continuing to work inside me to show his love and provision. Two short stories that I think highlight June for me.
So, what are you going to do when you get back? So far I’m 16/16 on that question. Never fails, every single person I have sat down with has asked that question at some point. My response? I nice little side smirk and a big whopping IDK. In light of everything I know my next two years will hold, both ups and downs, my biggest concern and personal conflict is what I will do when I get back. But wait! Whom among us can add a single day to his life by worrying? So bam, God provided some comfort. Much appreciated. Want to know how? Ok, keep reading. Sitting down with some longtime family friends, family in my book, an opportunity presented itself. I have recently learned that I really enjoy learning about medicine and providing care to those in need. I am currently an EMT and have been considering becoming a paramedic - with the long term plan of going the nursing route and branching from there. So after these amazing friends decided to join my monthly support team they also began presenting me with opportunities at a handful of Houston hospitals that would allow me to quickly land a job upon my return and begin perusing my career as a nurse and continuing my education from there! Worry no more, crisis averted. It’s almost as if the Bible told us to seek his kingdom and righteousness first and all things will be given to you as well? I don’t know, may have read that somewhere. I am thankful for this comfort because I was getting mad at the fact that I would spend my two years abroad worrying about what I will do when I get back. And that would take away from my presence in Mexico. I am thankful I can put this aside and focus on the task at hand.
The next isn’t so much a story but a compilation of observations over the past month. Willingness, sacrificial, joyful, faithful, supporting, loving, compassionate. Just a few of the words I would use to describe my current 16 family support team. It has been such an honor and humbling experience to see the faith each of these people have in me to carry out God’s Kingdom work. How can I possibly doubt my readiness when I see how eager they are to sacrifice their own time and resources so that I may go and do this work? It is truly a comforting thought.
I have no doubt July will bring about a whole new mix of lessons, spiritual growth and opportunities to engage with friends and family. I am very much looking forward to what this time will hold! Stay tuned as this Journey of Obedience continues.
Much love,
Zack