Some thoughts a few days later…

I’ve been home for, what, 3 days now. Although I tried my best to sleep during California sleeping hours on the almost 50 hour trip home, I still was pretty tired and slept through most of my first day home. On Thursday I woke up a little before 6 and was able to stay awake most of the day (although whenever I tried to read (homework) I started to daze off, so I didn’t get caught up on much reading that day). Because Thursday went so well, I thought I was past the jet lag. But Friday, I seemed to sleep on and off throughout most of the day (again, no catching up on homework.)

Today I woke up to my alarm at 6 and went to Weight Watchers with Cathy. I thought that as well as I had eaten in India, and with the oil and rice and potatoes I had eaten, I would surely have gained weight. Alas, I lost almost 3 pounds over the two weeks! Cool!! Today, I have also been able to do some textbook reading and hope to finish this book and write my 3 page paper. Then I just have a few chapters to read in other books and some Primary Texts and I’ll be all caught up for class on Tuesday.

I’ve been thinking a bit about how I can transfer my experience in India to here at home in the USA. There are some differences in culture that seem to make reception to the Gospel more open there and more closed here. BUT, as it is the Holy Spirit who is at work in the hearts/minds of people, to understand and believe God’s Word – I’m trying to convince myself that our culture here in southern California shouldn’t be the obstacle I used to think it was.

I think that one of the biggest obstacles to sharing the Gospel here at home has been my assumption that people here don’t want to hear the message. While it is true that we are so affluent we don’t seem to have room for God in our lives, or hearts; I believe that our affluence and the busyness of our lives actually makes us aware, down deep (even if we don’t fully/consciously realize it) that we are missing something profoundly real – and i believe the Gospel is the answer to what we feel is missing in our lives. My goal now is to listen and watch for the prompting of the Holy Spirit when I interact with others. I know, from personal experience now, that it isn’t my fancy presentation or supreme intelligence that convinces someone to believe. Nor is it my responsibility to make them believe. I’m only called to give an answer for my belief, to share God’s God News wherever I go, and to trust in Him to change hearts and give faith to believe the message. I’m only the ambassador…

I HIGHLY recommend this experience to everyone. Go on such a trip, let God work, watch Him do so, let Him change your life as He changes those you minister to. The inconveniences involved in the trip PALE in insignificance when compared to the work God will do, around AND in you!!! Thanks again for sending me and supporting me in prayer!