||To Say The Least||

How does one even begin to sum up a month in Africa, spent learning about the the Creator as well as experiencing some of the greatest adventures?

Well, here goes my attempt.

If I haven't mentioned this before, going into this trip my prayer was for God to reveal if I were to serve Him in San Francisco long term (seeing as my two years of schooling was over) or Tanzania. If I'm being honest though, my mind was pretty much set on going back to SF because I figured it just made sense serving in a place my heart had grown so attached to. I even froze my gym membership account intentionally not cancelling it, thinking I'd end up back there.

God had something different in mind. But He was patient and kind with me. The moment I got to Tanzania I sensed myself tighten my grip on the idea of going back to the city. looking back, that should have been a dead give away. Isn't it funny how when we start to see even the smallest incline towards something other than what we planned, we go into panic mode and try to hold onto what we know? At least I know that's true for me and in times of change and watching God's plan unfold I've notice myself give into fear and anxiety of the unknown. But for most of you who know me you know I had been walking in that for a while already.

Tanzania is a dream for those of us who have lived in the West for a while. Especially the Open Heaven base the Russell's are creating. Your iphone immediately becomes an after thought, simplicity overwhelms you and the mind takes a break from the marathon it's been running. I knew this month was going to be restful and a  much needed break from the fast pace life style I'd conformed to. A few days on the base and then we headed out to the Bush, (Masai Land) to camp for a week, meeting some amazing believers and loving on the most adorable kids I'd have the privilege of serving! Along the way my new family of seven and I grew in fellowship through depth of conversations and inviting the Holy Spirit into the hardest places of our hearts. Looking back it seems that we grew close fast but I guess that's what happens when you make Jesus the foundation of new friendships. We were blessed, experiencing unknowable beauty and adventure along the way!    

Amidst this my flesh was working hard to come up with a plan to make things fall into place my way. Even as the discipleship continued I would find myself trying to convince my team God was calling me back to SF. God's patience was revealed through them marvelously though and I never felt pressured to let go.

About half way through our month I heard God not yell or demand this of me but quietly whisper "If they ask you to stay, say yes". I tried to brush it off and tell myself I made it up.

But sure enough I found myself blurt out to one of my leaders "I think I could see myself living here for like a year". Then later on that day I knew that was the beginning of more conversations. And of course when the question of "Deb, can you see yourself moving out here?" came around after a little break down and lots of prayer the only answer I had was "yup".

So that's the gist of how I signed up for a year in Tanzania. Letting go usually means God has something better in store for us and I trust Him in this. Plus Tanzania is incredible and I can't wait to see what He does in this next season.

Here's to diving into the unknown!

-DG