After spending all this time in a far-off place, people here have begun to ask me, "When will you be coming back?" Coming back? Hmmmm . . . I will be, um, I don't know. Sitting in a dorm room before the end of junior year at MLC, I talked over this China stuff with a few friends. I thought, well that sounds great, but I just want to keep pushing on to Seminary and finish another 4 years right after this. I threw the idea out to my mother that summer, not really thinking too much about it, since I had one more year of school left. The conversation about it continued into senior year. Most of this was thanks to Andy Buschkopf. His sister had gone over and he had heard a lot about this teaching opportunity.
Over Christmas break, I talked it over with my parents. I'm sure they were speechless. This was all too soon, too much, too fast. Applications and interviews would take place shortly after the second semester started, so it was necessary to get the details out there. I applied. I pondered. I talked with my Father and decided that it was the right time to do something like this.
My posts have allowed you to follow me on this grand adventure halfway across the world. Now that friends have been asking me, "When will you be coming back?" I am speechless. I have learned so much about people, the world, and the power of the Word. Of course I want to stay and continue the work here. Of course there are so many places to see, people to meet, and things to experience that I have not yet. However, I have work to do back home. I have people to see back home. The Good Shepherd is leading me on to good things back home too.
I don't know when I will be coming back or if I will be coming back. Only the One above knows the plans He has for me. He intends to be with me and guide me. He is never speechless. He is always there; ever guiding, always speaking, ever present. This daunting and intimidating journey that seemed too big and overwhelming at times, is now something that I don't want to end. The mighty Hand that showers the earth with endless blessings has preserved and grown His church all over the world. That makes me speechless. I stand in awe at all the He has done, is doing, and will continue to do for His people. Soli Deo Gloria!
