march 2008 newsletter...
Humbled: That’s the only way I can describe my state of being after returning to Atlanta this week. I am humbled at the faithfulness of people here who prayed for our trip to India. I am humbled at the constant guidance we received over the course of our journey. I am beyond humbled, shamed even, by how much I underestimated what God could accomplish through my students in a few short days.
Thank you so much for praying for us. We managed to avoid any serious sickness or danger. Once again, I experienced the beauty of how the body of Christ around the world works together. Your prayers encouraged and upheld not only us, but your Indian brothers and sisters with whom we fellowshipped and worshiped. I was so proud of these high school seniors: their unity of purpose and spirit of love were evident to all. Through an unexpected series of interviews, they even had the opportunity to share some of their belief with the Journalism class at Woodstock, where I’ll be teaching next year.
The trip was full of unanticipated treasures. Maybe a pillar of fire guided the people of Israel. But we received an angel on a motorcycle, complete with Aviators. You see, our bus driver had lost his way enroute to Rajaji National Park. I experienced a moment of panic, envisioning our crowded, sweaty bus meandering for hours along back roads, driven along by well-meaning but ignorant pedestrians. Despairing, I told the bus driver to stop at a roadside stall and ask directions. I knew I didn’t have a back-up plan. When he emerged from the stall shaking his head, I decided to try my luck. Nothing. I stood beside the road, then, waiting for inspiration. A gentle man stepped up and asked where we were headed. When I told him, he said, “Give me one minute.” A minute later, he emerged from his gate, motorcycle in tow. He proceeded to lead our bus down winding back roads straight to the gate of the national park. An angel! I’ll swear it. Not only that, but we arrived at 3:45 and the gates closed at 4pm. We certainly didn’t need the gift of guidance God sent, but it was such a blessing! When we made it into the park, we saw more wildlife than I’ve ever seen at one time—monkeys, wild elephants, dancing peacocks. It was wonderful.
We’re all so hungry for guidance, and it never gets easier to make decisions. I spent the last 10 days with high school seniors all floundering for guidance on college and majors. I regularly hear from alumni seeking help with what comes after college. I recently made a life-changing decision myself to move to India. Our motorcycle angel struck me overpoweringly as a picture of the security we enjoy as children of God. He knows exactly where we’re headed, and sometimes He hastens us on our way with the clarity we crave, and these are moments of sheer blessing. Other times, He gives us the opportunity to struggle and wrestle our way through difficult decisions. All I know is that there’s a humbling liberation that comes with the recognition that He’s equally in control in both scenarios.
Coming back to Atlanta now for a few more months, I’m newly at rest in moving forward, blessed with confidence that it’s God’s hand that moves me. Your prayers have an effect! Like I said, I am humbled by how much the students accomplished in one short week. If you’d like to read more details of our trip, see some photos, and read some of their reflections, visit www.pilgriminreverse.com and click on the “trip” tab front and center. Thanks again for your prayer and support. My heart is full of contentment in seeing all that God is doing and excitement to see what He’ll do next!
Your fellow pilgrim
Amy