I thought I'd start a blog to keep those who are supporting me updated on what's going on, and to post photos and because I like writing about myself. :P ... and I just like writing.
So, the 10 paged, 10 essay-ed application I filled out to go with MCC on their SALT program was an accurate foreshadowing of the preparation that I would have to go through before I actually made my way to Bolivia. And I've only made a little dent in all the things I need to do! It's a little overwhelming when I think about it, so I'm making lots of lists (lists are lovely, helpful tools) and I'm soaking up what information I can on how to prepare for going overseas.
I know I really need to rely on God through this, but I don't think I've been doing a good job of that so far. When I first applied I asked God, "If this is what you want me to do, then let the process go smoothly and let everything work out fine. And, if this isn't what you want me to do, then stop this process right away and tell me a clear 'no'." The process went super smoothly and everything worked out beautifully. I applied very late, but was accepted, interviewed, approved, and warmly accepted again in a short period of time. There was only one small glitch and that was a misunderstanding in one of the emails I had sent. So, I concluded that this truly is God's will. Wow. That was encouraging because I was scared (and still am scared). It is an amazing comfort to know God is behind your decision 100%. Knowing that this is God's will banishes reservation. There is trepidation, but God has His arm around my shoulders and that makes me so excited! Still, sometimes I forget that this is for God and not for me. I get consumed with "what should I pack?" "what shots do I need to get?" "How much is this going to cost me?" "when am I going to clear customs?" "What if the airport loses my luggage??" Of course all these questions are important (except, perhaps, for the last one), but I start to forget to relax, to lean back in God's arm and trust that He's taking care of His plan. I mean, if this is God's will (of which I am positive it is), then don't I think He'll make sure everything works out? You'd think I would think so. I should think so. I will try to think so.
Anyway, I guess I should give some information on where I'm going, why I'm going, with who I'm going, etc.
I'm going with an organization called Mennonite Central Committee, which works with relief, development and peace. I'm in their program called SALT, which stands for Serving and Learning Together. I love this acronym because it shows that the mindset is not one of North American superiority. It's about coming together with people from different cultures, with different views on happenings and life, and learning from them - giving and taking to become the best disciples of God. We will serve each other and learn together. I've heard many experienced overseas-ers explain that we often end up learning a lot more from those we visit than we ever teach them. I'm excited to learn.
My assignment is located in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. I still don't know a lot about this city. It has approximately 1.5million people! is built in 8 concentric rings, a taxi will take me wherever I want to go for CAN$0.50 (not bad...). Santa Cruz is located at the "foot of the sierras where the Andes Mountain Range begins to rise off the tropical forest floor." I've looked up lots of photos - which have been surprisingly hard to find - and read some other travelers' stories/blogs and they all seem to love Santa Cruz and Bolivia... that makes me soo excited! The pictures I have found show a beautiful city (poor areas and business areas alike).
And, Why am I going? Because I want an adventure and I want to do God's will and I want to help others who need it and I want to grow and gain confidence, learn a new language, and earn the bragging rights that come with living in another culture.
Anyway, my eyes are getting a little tired of looking at a computer screen, so I'll be off for now and will return with new updates!
Santa Cruz
No comments:
Post a Comment