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| During my last trip to Tucson, I got to meet & hang out with a great group! |
Since I started this whole business of 'movingtoMalaysiafor2years', a small voice representing my fears has been trying to convince me that the culture and language barriers will prevent me from making friends. I've panicked at times because, well, I can't live without my heart-to-hearts! I practically live for listening and sharing.
There were a lot of places I could have gone and they were appealing for different reasons. I'm going to be honest and let you all know that I didn't land my first choice. When I tried to picture myself in the Middle East I thought, "At least I would blend in." The thought of going to Europe wasn't scary; tons of my friends studied abroad. When I thought of Asia, all I could think was how unfamiliar everything would be.
So somehow I ended up at this meeting for international students - I wandered around for a little bit unsure of who I should strike up a conversation with. I was feeling a little out of place when something wonderful happened... one of the leaders called the ladies forward to line up for the dinner buffet! I started talking to the girl in front of me (I'll call her "Gina"), we sat together, talked the whole dinner hour, and again later that night when we were split up into small groups. In the midst of our conversation, I learned that Gina is from China, has been going to the UofA for 3 years, and became a Christian in college. I asked about how she came to faith - she explained that she started out on mission to prove to her friends God didn't exist. I was intrigued. When Gina was finished, I told her my story. Now I'll admit I was sleepy, but I started crying while we were sharing. What?! That doesn't usually happen.
I realized I was so touched because I remembered how my worries about not being able to communicate on a heart level had made me hesitant about my decision to just dive into an Asian culture. The cultural differences seemed too great. I thought about how it wasn't something I really wanted at first, but I knew God was leading me in that direction. And what if I had given in to my fear? I felt as comfortable talking and praying with Gina as with any other of my friends - even more comfortable than with some of my friends.
So the moral of the story is: 2 years ago, no way I would have picked this adventure for myself but as God promises in Jeremiah 29:11, He has a plan for me, to prosper me and not to harm me, plans to give me hope and a future... and I know it's going to be a lot of fun.
