I wrote this blog about 2 months ago, at the beginning of my trip to Asia. Just remembered that I had not yet posted it. Hope you enjoy it even though it is a bit delayed...
“And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while
they are yet speaking, I will hear.” –Isaiah 65:24
I don’t
particularly care to talk non-stop, but I do get a warm feeling inside when
someone wants to listen when I do talk. There is something about the undivided
attention of another that gives us a sense of satisfaction. Often times, we may
feel dejected because we think that no one hears our voice or cares about us.
But the great promise that God has given us in Isaiah should give us an
overwhelming sensation of worth. The King of the entire universe wants to
listen to me in all my unintelligent, selfish, and sinful times. Not only does
He listen, but He also answers before I even start calling on Him. He
definitely answered my petition today before I was even aware of the situation.
The
countdown was quickly nearing zero; it was happening and I could not truly
believe it. I was going to be leaving for the United States to see my family,
but it all seemed so surreal. All us missionaries packed into the truck and
headed to the bus station. The anticipation was starting to grow, but lack of
sleep was making me want to go to bed more than the bus station. After a hug
from every “family member” in our group, I boarded the bus looking forward to
the time when I would be reunited with my Belize family.
Getting
across the boarder from Belize to Mexico is a long process. Whenever I travel,
I ask God to help me meet any divine appointments with a willingness to speak
whatever He needs the other person to hear. I need His strength because I grew
up knowing Stranger Danger: Don’t talk to strangers and definitely don’t take
candy from them! I have no natural inclination to speak to strangers. The girl
who was sitting behind me on the bus struck up a conversation with me while we
waited in line at the boarder. She asked what I was doing in Orangewalk because
she noticed that I was hugging all my “family” before I left. I started telling
her about our project and other projects around the world. She seemed interested
in what I had to say, so I kept talking. I was telling how different projects
have need of different skills. I mentioned teachers, health care, and off
handedly mentioned people who were involved in the arts. She seemed to take
special interest in this one so I continued to talk more about the
opportunities available in other parts of the world. Turns out she is an artist,
among many other things, in Toronto. I do not know what impact I had on her,
but I know that God was using me to say something to her. All I can do is pray
that God will continue to put opportunities before her to learn more about Him.
I woke up
to the bus driver shining a flashlight in my face calling for all those going
to Tulum, La Playa, and other places besides the airport. Our bus was broken
down on the side of the road and we were going nowhere. After about an hour, we
were on our way to the airport again. When we arrived, I knew I had missed my
flight. Not only had I lost an hour on the roadside, but I had also forgot about
the hour I lost when I crossed the boarder. Though I walked into the airport
with little confidence in the situation, I decided that I would trust that God
had a plan to get me home.
The Delta
ticket counter was very intimidating, but I had to face it. I explained the
situation to them and asked about the possibilities available to me. The whole
time I prayed that God’s will would be done, even if that meant me having to
purchase a new ticket. They said I could get on another flight, but I was going
to be charged $200 USD in addition to the difference in the cost of the
tickets. I dreaded the thought of spending that much money, but it was the only
option available. I handed them my debit card so they could take out the amount
I owed. My card was denied, and although I had four currencies in my purse, I
did not have enough of any to pay for the ticket in cash. The attendant pointed
me to the nearest ATM where I waited for the machine to become available.
Moments later, the same attendant came running over to me. My situation had
been explained to the supervisor and had been allowed the change free of charge! An immense
relief swept over me as I realized that although it seemed like everything was
going wrong, God just wanted me to trust His leading.
I don’t know what is going to
happen next, but I do know that I am in the airport, I have a ticket to the
States, and I have the promises of God always with me.
Dear God,
I’m
learning to Belize in Your promises more and more everyday. Thanks for Your
strength this morning and everyday.
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