Sunday, September 6, 2009

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.

7 comments:

  1. Oh, Sweet & Beautiful Amy, I am SO VERY EXCITED for you!!! Yes, God is SO good. I cannot wait to hear about your trip to Uganda and hopefully see some photos. I pray that God will give you peace, courage, strength and focus. May He allow you to fully immerse yourself in Him and this amazing adventure He is bringing you on. I know that you are sure to experience great joy and deep grief. I pray that He teaches you how to surrender your burdens to Him and be able to hold both opposing emotions in tandem. May He give you countless opportunities to be His hands, feet and heart to a country in deep need. In turn, may you be abundantly blessed by the Ugandan's great joy and strength. Sweetest blessings & much love, Amy

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  2. Our love and prayers go with you, Amy and Ben. May peace and love reign in and pour out of you in Africa. Yes, I did finally realize this week that you are really going to Africa. :)

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  3. Amy~I am so excited for you and I know that God is going to be holding you, every step of the way. I love you and cherish the woman and WarriorGirl that you are. May your warrior heart and the spirit of Almighty God join together on this trip to change the lives of those who need it most.

    Hugs and Love,

    Linz

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  4. I pray that it is all you hope for it to be and that God will deepen your heart for Africa and give you more clarity and passion for the role He wants you to fill in His Kingdom moving forward there. I love your mom's advice to be in each moment. Try to keep Vince in line too!

    Looking forward to hearing all about it...

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  5. Thanks, guys! I'm going to to do my best to update my blog daily (as I have internet access) so check back for stories, pictures and hopefully video! I truly appreciate all your love, support and prayers. Can't wait to get back and share more with each of you!

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  6. I can't get your beaming face out of my mind! You will both be in my thoughts and prayers! I am so excited for you and Ben to go on this journey together. I'd say "hurry home"...but I think you're going home! I love you.
    Carrie

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  7. I have no idea who you are, but stumbled upon your blog through Lindsey's blog. I see that you met Brandi and had an awesome time in raising awareness for the Fatherless!!! I am praying for your trip, as I'm sure you are in mid air over the ocean at this moment. May this trip be so full...SO FULL!

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