Leaving the Nest

This past month at home has definitely been a blessing. The weekend I got back, we had a family reunion for my Grandma’s side of the family, and we saw many of my Dad’s cousins that I didn’t even remember. I also enjoyed spending time my younger sister, and helping her pack for college. We left on August 14th. A trip to college, for our family, equals family vacation. Anna's school, Anderson University, is about two hours from my Aunt and Uncle and cousins in the Charlotte, NC, area. So we spent several days with them before the big move.

These few days involved a whirlwind of activity. We spent a day at the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte. This involved not only rafting, but zip lines, ropes courses, and biking. We were exhausted at the end of the day. The next day (poor planning?) we went to the amusement park where my cousin Caylie works, Carowinds. Another full day of adventure and excitement.

Now that I'm home, the last birdie in my parents' nest, what am I going to do? Move out, of course! My job search led me to a full time live-in Nanny position for a family near Wheaton, which I was offered last Thursday. They were hoping to find a Christian to commit to at least one year, possibly two, with their family. I have told them that one is all I can do, because I plan to be in Kandern, Germany next August. I’m so very excited to get to know this family and their three kids, and to spend "senior" year near my Wheaton friends.

While I was praying about all of this, I started to read Elisabeth Elliot’s biography of Amy Carmichael, a missionary to India. She too had setbacks and periods of waiting before she “shipped out” overseas. In August 1892, Amy was all packed to sail for China, but the mission doctor did not clear her to leave. Amy returned to where she was staying to wait on the Lord, “but one thought never left her, ‘This is not your rest.’” After praying and waiting for months, Amy did go. This next will be a period of waiting on the Lord, praying for His guidance, and continuing to raise funds to serve. But I have this reminder that it is not a year of rest. I cannot rest when I long to follow the calling I have received.

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