I am learning the discipline of patience and trust as I wait for my yellow fever shot to become valid (a 10 day wait period). I spent most of the last 36 hours running around Chicago, getting my shot and a new flight out on the 20th of June. As many of you know I am not a city girl, and it is uncomfortable and stretching for me to travel alone in an unknown city.
At one point, I was miles from downtown Chicago, in an unknown area and had spent the last hour and a half wandering through concrete and noisy traffic, trying to find a travel office. It was my breaking point. I found a graffiti covered pay phone in an abandoned parking lot and called my mom. As I talked and sobbed, she reminded me of God's promise to never leave me. I felt desperate, alone, and deeply disappointed, but somehow, God inserted Himself into the mess and drew me to Him. I pulled myself together and by His grace, I was able to navigate the metra, bus, and train system safely the rest of the day.
As it stands right now, I am going to spend the next 10 days (9 days now!) in Elgin, IL, where International Teams is based. I still feel alone and isolated, even though I'm surrounded by an incredible support team here. It feels almost impossible to be still, yet that is the only option I am faced with. I am certain that God has many things to teach me, but my stubborn desire to be in Bolivia NOW is getting in the way. Please pray that the days ahead will only serve to deepen my understanding of God's calling on my life, and that I will be present. Present in each moment. Present in the loneliness. Present in the disappointment and frustration. Present in His daily grace and life-saving mercy.
Hasta Cochabamba, Bolivia,
Katie
3 comments:
Hermana ...
How difficult and frustrating that sounds! My prayers are uber-with-you. I know the next 9 days will be a huge struggle, but I'm sure God has a purpose in it. Use the time to pursue him.
I'm reminded of Paul, who longed to be with certain churches, but the jail thing got in the way. His response was to pray for them, and rejoice [be present in!] his suffering. Philippians 1.
You will get there soon! Te amo!
Dearest Sister,
I'm very sorry to hear about the confusion regarding the shot and how you had to wonder around chicago by yourself =( I would like to give you a big hug!! I will be praying for you friend. You are not alone. Isaiah 41.
Love you friend!
~Sarabeth p.s. I got the letter you sent. thanks!
Carray!
What a sudden change of events.
Meanwhile, I've was praying for your safe flight on Monday - while Jonny B. and I were hanging out together - and now there you are in Illinois. But, God definitely has a plan for ya in the coming days. His ways are higher, and usually much more confusing at first. ;)
Something for you to chew on in the mean time. (from Jerry Sittser's awesome Hist. of Christ. class)
Here's a rough quote of his from a conversation about salvation:
"A lot of times we try to get by on our own through life... but it's like trying to survive on our own saliva... it doesn't work. We need something outside of ourself."
May you trust/rely on Him in ways you never have before.
Tu amigo,
Keith
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