A Longing Fulfilled

Proverbs 13:19 - "A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul".

I remember the first time I climbed the high dive to jump off. I'm not sure how old I was but I remember the moment clearly. I had wanted to jump off the high dive forever, but just couldn't muster the courage. I climbed slowly, with determination and a great deal of trepidation. After navigating each step with care I found myself at the top - I had reached the place where I would walk out to the edge of the board and jump off.

Strangely, all these years later I find myself in that same place. Today I am standing on the edge of the diving board, looking down into the water ready to jump for the first time. But this time I'm jumping onto an airplane which will carry me to Africa. I feel even more determined, excited and scared today than I did all those years ago. In a way, I'm reeling. I cannot believe this moment is here...my longing is about to be fulfilled and I am beside myself with anticipation. I'm SO ready to jump. Do you remember that feeling of absolute release, terror and bliss when you sprang into the air? I knew what I was diving into all those years ago...today I find myself having no idea what I'm about to experience. I want to hit the waters of Africa and be jolted, awed, overwhelmed, but most importantly - just be in each moment (thanks, mom for that advice today).

So, today I'm taking my three bounces on the board, Tuesday I'll be leaping into the air and Wednesday I will make my landing into the unknown of Africa. My mind is racing, my heart is open to receive all that God has for me there and my arms are ready to envelop those sweet little children I've been spending every waking minute thinking of. I am ready for my heart to be broken, pieced back together and filled to overflowing by my time in Uganda. I am ready to encounter God in ways I never imagined. I am ready to be changed from the inside out. I am ready to see this longing fulfilled.

I know that God's plans for this trip are far greater than my own and I am eagerly expecting for Him to show up and blow me away with His goodness. I serve a God who is MIGHTY, a God who SEES, a God of LOVE. I just can't wait to encounter Him in each face that I look into and each hand that I hold. I can't wait to be where I am meant to be this week. God is so good.