Wow, what an emotional roller coaster the last couple of weeks have been. After several years of wanting to spend extended time on the mission field, I was really excited about the opportunity to spend 3 1/2 months in India this year. But a couple weeks ago, that opportunity seemed in jeopardy as the state I would be staying in was having political unrest that led to riots and violence which has shut down transportation, schools and businesses throughout Andhra Pradesh. So the trip has been on again/off again for the last week and a half. I was told the airline tickets were being cancelled Tuesday afternoon (which would mean I have a year to use it with a change fee) and began dealing with the disappointment as I prayed for the people I was looking forward to working with. Then later that night, I was told the tickets would not be cancelled until noon today (6 hours before scheduled to take off) which means there was a chance we could still go. It was a small chance as the state police had said not to come, but we were praying for a miracle. It would have been awesome to be able to go so I was thankful for the glimmer of hope, but it is always so hard to be left in the unknown. I spent the evening last night packing my suitcases well aware I may simply be unpacking again today, but I had to be ready for the miracle I'd been praying for! I said good-bye to family and friends that I've seen the last couple of days "just in case" and waited to hear the final word which came at 7:30am this morning. The trip has officially been cancelled and we will look at a rescheduled trip this fall. Through it all - the disappointment, sadness, rekindled hope and uncertainty - I have had no doubt that God is at work and has a plan for me regardless of my location! I am choosing to trust His timing in my return to India and will continue to follow Him as closely as I can regardless of circumstances or where He may lead! I just want to be found faithful! I want to love Him well as I strive to walk in obedience whatever that may look like!!!
