It doesn't feel like I’ve already been here four months, four days seems more like what it’s been. Some would say I took a trip here, but it doesn’t feel like that. I didn’t visit here, I LIVED here. I worked here, I went to church here, I had a birthday party here, I played on sports teams here. I was part of a family here. I have been called a Zomi Boi, meaning I am someone from one of their tribes. I knew this day would come, the bittersweet day when I would finally get closer to seeing my American family, but have to leave my Indian family. I can’t be sad today, I can only praise God for what He has done. I praise Him for bring me here. For changing my personality this past year to have more the desires of His heart. I praise God for the People of Manipur that have welcomed me like a king and loved me like a brother. I praise God for the many Christians I got to spend these last months with. But MOST importantly, I cannot be sad today, because I got to come here and share the gospel with people. Only God knows if I saved someone for eternity… but I gave it all I got. I may not know the outcome but there is that slim chance that God saved someone here through me and that “chance” is good enough for me. I will leave this place today knowing that I did what God called me here to do. I shared God’s message when I could and I showed them the love God has so mercifully shown me. I am not perfect and was not in any way on this trip, but knowing I could come and help these people as their brother in Christ, makes me smile.
I cannot be sad on a day like today. I have a God had does amazing things. And I now have families in two countries!If I have learned one thing on this trip it is that GOD HAS A PLAN! So starting in January I will be continuing at UCF in Health Sciences Medical. I am going to college with the goal of becoming more equipped to help the spiritual and physical needs of people in this world. I hope to go to college to get a degree where I can directly use it on the mission field. That being said that is all MY plan but as I said I have a God that knows what is perfect for me.
No matter what you think is going to happen, God knows better. I hope to see these beautiful faces of Manipur again. Maybe God will call me back, maybe not. Maybe I will see these people again on earth, or will just have to wait till heaven. I know one thing is FOR SURE I will go wherever He wants me. Because my God is a God that is more important than my “priorities”. My God knows what I want more than I do.
I will never forget the sweet people of India here. I will never forget all the memories and friendships made. I will never forget the lessons God taught me. I will never forget the needs that need to be helped. I will never stop praying for these people here and for people on this earth that I know are just like them, struggling for survival. I will never be okay with people on this earth not hearing the name of Christ, either in India or America. I will never forget how much God change me through the influence of the people here.
The goodbyes are over. I’ve watched dancing and singing as a farewell from the hostel students, I’ve been prayed over by the pastors, I’ve had supper with Khen, and I’ve taken hundreds of pictures with the students at school. Tears have flowed some recent nights and laughs with students have been more plenty ... and so I must remember I can’t be sad. Because I am but a servant of Christ blessed with the opportunity to share the story of Christ. I am but a sinner with a God that would take me away from everything I thought I loved and show me what I really should love in life. I am but a 20 year old kid blessed beyond belief to see the need firsthand and help it in the name of Christ. I am some American, but family isn't about looking the same its about what we have shared together. These people are family.
This shows I cannot be sad when I am so so so blessed.
MY GOD IS GOOD.
This is my family. |