I'm not going to lie...Life since I got home, 2 weeks ago, has been hard.
I have gone straight into my old routine. I am back to work, hanging out with the same people, back to church, and doing the same old, same old.
Life isn't very busy..the hardest thing about being back, is all the time that I have had. Time to think about Africa. Time to miss the heat, the people, the food, the landscapes. Time to wish that I was back there. Time to dream about going back.
Life isn't very busy..the hardest thing about being back, is all the time that I have had. Time to think about Africa. Time to miss the heat, the people, the food, the landscapes. Time to wish that I was back there. Time to dream about going back.
I had a couple preconceived notions about Africa. I thought that I would like Africa, I didn't think that I would love it. I was sincerely surprised by how strongly I loved it there. I also thought that going to Africa would help me clarify the direction to go with my life. It didn't help. If anything, it broadened my horizons, and has given me more choices.
I have realized that I can't dwell on the fact that I wish I was there instead of here. I am now trying to figure out what I want to do. I am looking at all my options.
For a while, I have been feeling like I should work with women. Something to do with human trafficking, prostitution, or women who are abused. In Africa, one thing that really stood out to me , was that there was a lot of orphanages, and children's organizations, but nothing for women, mothers, or widows. To help me try and figure out if working with women is "my thing", I signed up for a volunteer orientation at the local women's shelter. Its in September. I'm really looking forward to it.
I am also thinking about going back to school. I would be interested in either taking a global studies, or political studies. Both of these focus on social sciences, globalization, social justice, and tons of other subjects that I am interested in.
I also might go back to Africa in January. I was asked to come back and be a host, and I could possibly be there for a year. That's an option that I am definitely interested in.
I still want to to the World Race, and focus on human trafficking. Its not being offered for a while, so I could do something else in the mean time.
Needless to say, I have some decisions to make. I want to make the right decision for my life right now.. I can always change the way things are going. I am really seeking the Lords will. I want to do something that will make Him happy.
For a while, I have been feeling like I should work with women. Something to do with human trafficking, prostitution, or women who are abused. In Africa, one thing that really stood out to me , was that there was a lot of orphanages, and children's organizations, but nothing for women, mothers, or widows. To help me try and figure out if working with women is "my thing", I signed up for a volunteer orientation at the local women's shelter. Its in September. I'm really looking forward to it.
I am also thinking about going back to school. I would be interested in either taking a global studies, or political studies. Both of these focus on social sciences, globalization, social justice, and tons of other subjects that I am interested in.
I also might go back to Africa in January. I was asked to come back and be a host, and I could possibly be there for a year. That's an option that I am definitely interested in.
I still want to to the World Race, and focus on human trafficking. Its not being offered for a while, so I could do something else in the mean time.
Needless to say, I have some decisions to make. I want to make the right decision for my life right now.. I can always change the way things are going. I am really seeking the Lords will. I want to do something that will make Him happy.
Even though I know that there is a lot on the horizon for me, I am still sad about not being in Africa. At least I can rest in the fact, that I know I'm not finished with Africa. I have had a taste of it, and want more, and one day it will happen.
Mmm. I know the feeling. Coming back is always so hard, even though the ones I love are here. Somehow I know Africa will be different than India and the other places I've been. I may have to chat will you later and find out more of what I should expect.
ReplyDeleteah! i am so happy that you were in Africa about the same time i was!! sorry i havent left any comments on your blog, blogger hasnt let me leave any comments :/ you might go back in January?!?!! praying for you, because that is AMAZING and i am so excited for you if you do get to for a year!
ReplyDeletelove your last little paragraph. God is really whispering to me that for this season He wants me back home, but that i can trust that if it is His will He will bring me back to Ethiopia, back to my babies, and really - back to my heart.
so glad you went, we must talk more about it, not just over comments haha :)
I can't believe that I will be in Africa in less than a month. I'm trying hard not to put to many expectations on the trip but it is so hard!
ReplyDelete@ Jennifer, and Emma, if you are interested in talking more, you could send me an email. e.s.nicol3@gmail.com. I would love to chat about the trip, and all that jazz. :) Thank you for your sweet words!!
ReplyDelete@Valerie, I tried to not put expectations on my trip too. It was really hard, and kinda happened anyway. The good thing is, is that Africa exceeded all of my expectations. Hopefully your trip will do the same!
I know what you mean about feeling like there are so many options on the horizon - because there are! There are so many ways we can make a difference in the world, and it's really really easy to get overwhelmed and not do much in any of them.
ReplyDeleteI've been feeling God reminding me lately that when my job at the church is over this summer, that doesn't mean my job in his kingdom is nearly over - so I need to get involved and get volunteering where ever I go, because there will always be a need!