so, if you have been following along like some diligent readers that i know, ahem, then you are on the edge of your seat awaiting installment number four where i tell you all of my big life plans. well, i am not one for long-term or big life planning (which i learned from dave ramsey recently is a sign of immaturity. good to know.) but the time has come to take some steps forward.
the short story is: my plan is to move to south africa, to join the ministry of InnerChange in the Soshanguve township outside of Pretoria!!
the long story: if you know me, then you know that ever since i studied abroad in capetown, south africa, i have wanted to get back there. i have devoted time and energy to various social issues happening in africa and remain very passionate about the continent and its people. over the past 6 years, since i returned from study abroad, a few different opportunities have come up that could have brought me back. and each time, something didn't quite connect, and i was reminded that we have to submit even our most noble, service-minded desires to God's bigger plan (because He's always got something better in mind!)
then, when i got in the car accident that derailed the trip that i THOUGHT would open up doors of opportunity for me to get closer to going to africa, i really wondered what God was up to. would i ever get to africa, i wondered? if so, when?? that experience really taught me that instead of pursuing my own expectations and desires, the always more-satisfying route would be to trust the One who makes the plans for me.
as things at the church started to change, and i was charged not just looking for a job, but with really, actively pursuing God's call for me, i was reminded of InnerCHANGE. I first came into contact with InnerChange last summer, when i met lyndy. one of my mission year teammates was friends with lyndy in san francisco, and told me to meet up with her when she came to new orleans for the summer. one day, lyndy just happened to show up at st. roch and an instant friendship was formed! lyndy was down here with another guy to do some scouting work for innerchange, to explore the possibility of someday having a team in new orleans. we connected easily right away, especially over our common desire to see God's kingdom come among the poor. she kept telling me to check out the innerchange website and i kept avoiding it, mostly because i had a feeling that i would really like it--and i didn't know what i'd do with that knowledge!
well, i finally did and i was right (well, actually lyndy was right).... learning what innerchange was all about was like reading the secret desires of my heart, made public and carried out by other people around the world! i couldnt believe it! a christian order among the poor.....sharing the gospel in word and deed.....relationships are foundational....a joyful spirit at pursuing life among the poor....living in intentional community...commitments to humility, simplicity, purity, service, prayer... (sounds a lot like mission year, but with the intentionality of nurturing people to make a lifestyle of ministry among the poor, not just a year-long experience) i was immediately faced with the deep sense that, having read this and gained the knowledge that a ministry like this existed, my life would never be the same. i didn't know what that meant or when it would take effect, but i knew God was at work. at the same time, and for all my wondering about how i ended up in New Orleans, i had a feeling that God was not calling me to leave the city just yet.
a year later, and beginning to see how God was moving things around and creating new opportunities for me, i refreshed myself with InnerChange. at the time i had originally explored it, there was talk about the potential of bringing a team to new orleans, but that wouldn't happen for a while. this time i noticed there was a team in south africa. i contacted innerchange and began the process of exploring the possibility of my joining. whereas in so many other situations it seemed there were doors that continued to close, with innerchange it has really felt like i am being led through this process and that i am not just taking these steps on my own. Every step of the way has held encouragement and affirmation.
as for the actual team in south africa, it is led by a married couple named luc & petunia. i have had several conversations with luc and am very excited about getting to see what this team is up to. there is a great need for medical care in the township, as there are only 4 clinics to serve over 1 million people. petunia is a nurse, and this is her primary route of service. the team has other things going on and has partnered with other local churches and ministries, but one of the things that is exciting is being given the chance to "pioneer" something new. so many people want to know what i'm going to DO while i'm there. and that is a good question! i've been encouraged, though, to push back with the challenge of going there and allowing myself to see how God might use me to serve. I want to balance the desire to DO with the need to sometimes just BE amongst people and really spend time to discern the best fit between need and skills. i am confident that God is at work not only in me, but in the hearts of the team, confirming these steps and reaffirming this desire for me to move in this direction.
as for logistics, the plan is to visit the team in the next few months and then start with the InnerChange orientation in january. beyond that, i will be raising support and continuing to prepare for the move to south africa. i like details, but i can tell the Lord is at work, so i am not stressed or anxious!
I am so excited and thankful for this opportunity and look forward to sharing more with you as the adventure continues!
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