I only live a mile or so away from where the
red lights and a very short green arrow for the left turn. Additionally they were serving dinner and I was hungry. I just missed the green arrow so I turned right instead and made a U turn in the hopes that the other light at the cross road was shorter. I think I may have accidentally cut someone off but I hoped not. As I waited at the red light, I could see the other line cars from were I was. The light had turned green and they all turned left as I sadly watched them. I've heard many stories about things going awry before and during mission trips even though this was a fail of my own doing.
I enjoyed braised beef, roasted veggies and hummus in a large room filled with hundreds of other prospective missionaries. Some may have been there just wanting information while some had already gone and were returning. And then, some may have been like me who had never been but the decision had already been made regardless of funding, life circumstances or whether or not I got to eat braised beef....but still, I was hungry.
I arrived that night with positively no plans as I did not know yet what country I would be led to or what type of work I would do. I was very eager to know what was out there. After dinner we heard many stories to include a day in the life with a family in Kenya where the missionary would become a part of a Kenyan family. If it were a 3 mile walk to retrieve water, we go with them. If it takes 3 hours to see a doctor we wait with them. We were told that natives of Kenya are so grateful to be able to see a doctor, none of them complained about a 3 hour wait. Other projects included a medical team to Cambodia, building relationships in the Haitian communities, even providing pedicures to women in Jericho. After I went home it was time to make this very precious decision.
On August 12th of 2015, I went back to work full time. Life has been very crazy but I knew that after being home and working independently part-time for 10 years and my youngest little daughter starting school, it was time. For months I spent hours on-line filling out applications, waiting for emails or phone calls and going to interviews. I even wasted a whole entire morning with a group of other hopeful applicants as efforts were made to recruit us into selling insurance.
As I knew I would be enrolling my baby into preschool soon, I had planned to make a call to the little school where her older sisters went. One morning while in prayer on the same spot where my knees have worn down the carpet, I thought about that little school. I made the phone call. After many mornings of being served and warmly greeted at the carpool line, it would now be my job. Mission trips require preparation, and this new job of mine would play a role in the work of introducing the English Language to children of Gori in the Republic of Georgia. (I have to say "The Republic of" since I live in Georgia. If I just tell someone "I'm going on a mission trip to Georgia" They will be confused and wondering why it's necessary for me to "go" anywhere.)
My application has been sent, my first initial fees paid, the first meeting team is scheduled and I am guarding my passport with my life.
My song begins. It's time to dance.
If you would like to donate, here is the link.
paypal.me/SamanthaFair
