Reflections

As August quickly approaches, I can't believe my Romanian journey is almost over.  The end of June and the beginning of July have been jammed packed with teams, tent events and a brief visit to my best friend in Germany.  Due to my friend being in school until 12:50pm everyday, I was able to take the morning for Bible reading, listening to my favorite worship music and reflecting on the past 4 months of mission work with Outstretched Hands of Romania.

I faced numerous amounts of obstacles since I arrived in Călărași, but not a single one of them made me waiver in my decision to stay here for 6 months (If this is your first time reading my blog, I encourage you to check out my earlier posts).  I've met people from Norway, England, Ireland and Germany.  I have made new friendships that have such depth to them, it feels as though I've known them for years.  I had the opportunity to work with youth from my church and it opened my eyes to what wonderful Christ loving people CrossPointe Community Church is raising up.  I have begun to see small changes in some of the children and my heart is overjoyed.  The revelation of the Lord's hand in my life has been overwhelming and encouraging all in the same breath.  I am in a brand new season of my life.     


The reality of my departure at the end of August is becoming all too real though.  Teams that are visiting are asking about my next steps upon my return to the States.  With a slight smirk, I shrug my shoulders and exhale an "I'm not really sure" answer.  My mind then begins to race about all the expectations others may have of me and the expectation I have for myself.  When the crippling fear of the uncertainty of my future arises, I get lost in my thoughts.  


In this moment, the here and now, I know my purpose.  I'm singing in unison with the Almighty.  The steps I'm taking are on the path my Father placed before me.  As the questions are asked, I look further down the path and I have a mountain placed before me, with peaks that are vast and clouds that are thick - obstructing my view of the path further ahead.  Am I even making an impact for the Kingdom when I'm in Wisconsin?  Is that where the Lord wants me?  What should I actually be doing for a living?  I'm almost 26 years old...shouldn't I have this all figured out by now?  These questions flood my path and I begin to feel like I'm drowning in a river of uncertainties.  


But wait.  The God I serve is a mountain mover.  Matthew 17:20 (NLT) says “You don’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.” The path with the mountains, vast peaks and thick clouds transforms into a calming scene with the tranquil sound of a waterfall in the distance and the scent of evergreens surrounding me.  The cloud coverage symbolizes the trust I need to have in the Lord.  He has presented me with the beautiful mystery of the clouds and as I trust Him further, He slowly reveals the breathtaking view in all of its splendor.  

I'm at peace with my future for I know what He has in store for me far exceeds the expectations I have.  So if you ask me what my plans are when I return to the States, I will smirk, shrug my shoulders and simply say, "I'm not sure, but I have faith knowing the Lord will lead me in the right direction." 

This photo was taken at a lake in Austria. Words cannot describe this beautiful masterpiece. This is my happy place :) Copyright Rebecca Ley