Today was amazing. Went on a good hike near a village (Meghardzor) about an hour away. The hike was pretty short, but steep. We spent the afternoon enjoying nature and the interesting church on the hill. It was an absolutely beautiful fall day...perfect weather, blue skies. I can't tell you what it does for me to be outside and active in nature. It was great hanging out with friends, taking pictures, having interesting discussions, and eating lots of random snacks.
I say all that to say this: I left America a year ago today. I can remember the airport in Tulsa all too clearly. Those who came to give last minute hugs. Parting gifts. Being (or only trying to be) brave. All about how I left my bag in security and almost missed my plane. Making it around the world and being on my own in Vienna for the day's layover. Wandering around Vienna. Sitting on the floor of the Vienna airport looking at the photo album Amy and Laura gave me. Thinking how crappy the Vienna airport was. All the adrenaline and emotion that made it hard to feel anything exactly. I had no idea what was to come. I had enough faith to get me that far.
And today I saw the result of that little faith. God's beauty manifested in the nature of this country. His beauty in the relationships I have with my friends here. Hiking to the top together. And back down together. The beauty of language, and worship in another language. Sweet text messages from a friend. (Reading text messages in this language is SO hard!) Celebrating the birthday of dear Artur.
When I was leaving the airport, when I was flying over the ocean, when I was sitting on the cold floor of the Vienna airport thinking of all I thing I was leaving behind....did I have any idea of the things I would gain?
I think that's how it is with faith. At the time, it seems like such a leap. Because, well, it's faith. You can't see the end. But if we take that leap, we are blessed beyond measure.
I left America. Family. And lots of other people who are dear to me. I left some comforts and freedoms and preferences. I left the familiar. When I finally unclenched my fist, God was able to add blessings. It's not that He took away those things I left, He just gave me blessings in addition to what I already had.
I will write more on my 1 year marker in the next few days.
3 comments:
I loved reading this blog entry over and over. This one and many others give to me intellectual, emotional and spiritual insights into how you are growing in faith, patience, wisdom, love with each day. Your love for the country ... the people is so beautiful. Glad you got to enjoy a fall day outside.... know you like to be out. We had fun at the pumpkin patch in Owasso. Wish you had been there. I SO know that this is the 1 yr. anniversary . In fact as soon as I started seeing fall flowers and decorations I felt the 1 yr anniversary even more. In many ways it certainly seems like a year.... but we are so fortunate to be able to talk on the phone ,to send e-mail, to try to see you on Skye and to send packages ($50) to you. Yes, I am thankful. I think something within each of us knew just a little bit of what you were getting yourself in to with the Lord and the Armenian people. I'm proud that you are my daughter ,but I do miss getting mixes at Braum's (m and m's and heath)...... maybe YOU used to get the mixes and now I do because I think of you each time I get one... and watching Gilmore girls and more. Love, MOM
So beautifully written. Can I copy it? j/k!
'Greater things are yet to come...'
Love you and proud of you Jaclyn!
Wow. It has been an entire year. It is funny. As far as our friendship goes I know that you could walk in the room right now and we would talk for hours and not skip a beat. Yet it seems like you have been gone a long time. When I look back on my year while you have been gone we have had a bunch of major life milestones. This time last year I had a different job, a different house, and a few less stresses ;). We have had mostly a great year (if you don't count October!) Yet I look forward to this time next year when my dear friend will walk back through airport security into our arms!
I am so proud of you and know that while you are away God is using you like an old spatula!
Love you!
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