I was in Australia when this happened, but a young man named Nathan died before age 18 after playing a football game. His parents started an organisation to provide Bibles for those who need one because the Bible was such an intergral part of his life. "The Nathan Project" is actually a challenge to read the Bible every day for a year and talk about it in a group.
I am going to do this challenge while in Nepal. However, meeting in a group may get a little tricky so my "group" to talk about what I am reading will be this blog. Well, as much as I will be able to post with third world dial up speed internet and uncertain access! Also, I will be in Nepal for 2 years so I may take the time to go slower through the Bible. We shall see, but I do want to make sure I am relying on God and not my ownself.
I had been reading current volunteers blogs on occasion, but I have decided to stop because they have become more depressing. I know I will have points in my life while there that will be as low as they have felt at the time of posting, but considering the fact that I'm already near that point myself? Probably not a good idea to surround myself with more of it!
I do not want to come in with any expectations or imaginings. My experiences in Australia really benefited from that, I believe. There were no disappointments and I rolled with anything. My focus now just needs to not be on what is going on around me, but on Jesus as the time for me to leave creeps up.
40 more days!
One of my favourite authors, Robin Jones Gunn, recently came out with a book beginning a continuation series of past novels. Basically, she has a young adult series and it progresses to adult, etc. but you can read one series ie. The College Years and not be lost if you haven't read the past novels.
This new series is the married years of Todd and Christy Spencer and I've been so excited about this! Without giving away spoilers, lets just say that the truths I will be taking away from it will certainly be ones I will be using while in Nepal. They are what are in the forefront of my mind as I think about what challenges I will face.
I've been reading more current PCV Nepal blogs and I've discovered I really shouldn't... I'm stopping myself from really freaking out, but apparently we will have language proficiency tests to do prior to being sworn in as a PCV! This definitely makes sense because you certainly can't be successful without a semi-decent proficiency in language, but it still is causing me to freak out because while I've attempted to learn other languages before - success is not something I've accomplished. However, I also haven't spent a fair amount of time on learning them and been in full immersion!
Also, I've learned that there is a possibility of a family member coming to visit you when you are sworn in as a volunteer. :) Don't know how that works out, but it is a nice idea!
As my mind begins to go to freak out mode from what I have read, these next few verses come to me in response. I need to keep in mind these Scriptures for the next journey where God is taking me.
Joshua 1:9 - Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified and do not be discouraged for the Lord our God will be with you wherever you go.
Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
I need to figure out why I cringe when I hear "You've wanted this a long time"...
I take that back, I DO know why...
I seem to have made it appear that this is something I wanted to do, which it is - but first and foremost I have wanted to do God's will. I talked about it because I felt it was the direction that He was leading, but it seems that either I didn't convey it that well or others focused on how I talked about the Peace Corps rather than how I said I felt it was where God was leading me.
I'm sure people don't think that I am going just because I want to. Well, maybe some do but the ones that understand seeking God's will hopefully know that I have searched for His will and am following His direction.
It bothers me because I don't want this opportunity to be seen as something I wanted to do. Yes, I wanted to do it, but this was after a heart change from God. If He had led me somewhere else -I would have gone THAT direction rather than the Peace Corps.
I was wanting to type this earlier and had thought about including it in my last post, but didn't want to to be so long so here is another entry!
A good friend of mine and I had lunch a few months ago. She talked about her boyfriend and another friend of ours with his girlfriend. Long story short, the boyfriend had mentioned how appreciative he was that she wanted to look good for him. Our friend had mentioned he would like his girlfriend to look nicer on occasion. My thoughts on this? I'M SCREWED...lol
I don't mind wearing makeup, but it is not something I wear often. Who knows? Maybe if I am in a relationship - I will want to look nicer while going out (although that wasn't the case with my ex, but it wasn't exactly a great relationship anyways). My friend did say she was a little shocked to hear that from the guys in her life 'cause her primary thought was that guys didn't like high maintenance so my eventual guy would probably appreciate my low maintenance. :) I choose to go with that!
All this conversation did make me think, however. There is a fine line between looking nice and looking nice with high maintenance. When I go out of the house, depending on why - I'm typically not trashy looking. I do occasionally go out in pajamas, but that is only for a quick grocery run. Actually going out with friends? I'll dress nice, but the makeup is occasional.
My pastor called me out in church Sunday. To be honest, he caught me as I was trying not to fall asleep so I'm not entirely positive I nodded in agreement correctly and heard him... However, I think he said something along the lines of how I'm not chasing after guys, but am still surrounding myself with people - emphasizing we need relationships even if we're single. Whomever God has for me will love me for who I am and find me beautiful whether I am wearing makeup or not!
Of course, I just read a book involving faith. :) I am taking the opportunity to record this so when I get to feeling low - I can remember to put my faith in God because He loves me and not focus on my surroundings and fear.
Romans 8:35, Romans 5:1-5
