Sunday, July 3, 2016

Affirmations

I don't actually leave the US and launch into full time ministry until mid 2017, but it certainly feels as though my life has already begun to orbit a whole new planet.  13 days ago, I was beginning to wonder if I had somehow slept though my own launch date only to wake up while my life was entering an atmosphere that I was not completely confident I could survive in.  However, that was a long 13 days ago.

13 days ago, while I was trying to fall asleep on the barely carpet covered, concrete, LAX floor (as hard as I try, I keep ending up there) I was tired, thirsty, sleepy and nervous that landing in Costa Rica was just going to confirm my deepest unspoken fear.  It had been weeks.  I'd been putting on a good face and explaining to others, while secretly trying to convince myself, that I was smart, determined and capable of anything.  But, let's be honest, I have a degree in math.  MATH.  The acquisition of language, English or otherwise, has never been on my list of talents or skills.  I just couldn't bring myself to say it out loud.  I don't know if I can learn Spanish and I definitely don't know if I can learn enough to network and build lasting relationships in a Spanish speaking community.  Well, I've always been taught that God meets us where we are and boy am I grateful that that's true.

10 days in Costa Rica affirmed that I remember way more Spanish than I could have hoped and that I am totally capable of learning and building relationships in Spanish.  Far beyond my hopes and expectations, I also made several amazing new friends. Before Ecuador, I will be returning to Costa Rica for language school.  The next time I am sitting on a plane to San Jose, I won't be nervous.  Instead, I will be anxiously anticipating spending time with the family I found at La Montana Christian Camps.

God manages to constantly surprises me.  I'm not sure why I would have thought that this trip would be anything other than surprising.  I was so absolutely affirmed.  I know that I can trust that whenever this ship finally launches, God will have made sure I am totally ready!!!

8 comments:

  1. By the way, people with math minds actually learn language faster. You are wired to achieve this goal :)

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  2. You will bring way more than math or language to this experienxe. You will bring love, joy, comedy and compassion to those who need it most. We are so proud of you Chelsea and so glad that you're choosing to follow Gods will. I can't wait to see what happens next!

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  3. You will bring way more than math or language to this experienxe. You will bring love, joy, comedy and compassion to those who need it most. We are so proud of you Chelsea and so glad that you're choosing to follow Gods will. I can't wait to see what happens next!

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  4. Psha I knew you'd be fine. ;)

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  5. I'm with Erin . . . I knew you'd be fine! I think we all tend to underestimate ourselves because we know our own weaknesses - and tend to focus on them. I have absolute confidence that God has you right where He wants you.

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