Flight Delays and Recentering

My flight to London tomorrow was canceled, but they've decided to go ahead a put me on the next flight out, 2 hours later. It doesn't make much sense to me, but then, how many times have I hit the snooze for a measly 5 minutes more of sleep? So, as it stands now, I'll arrive just in time to make my plane to Nairobi. I'm confident God will work this out.

Speaking of God working things out, this orientation has been amazing! One of the staffers gave us a little primer on what to expect from God during our time on the field, and I've come to the conclusion that I've fallen into the "small" God camp during med school. After a reading a few passages to us that declare the glory of the LORD ( Col 1:15-17, Rom 11:36, Is 40:12-15, Is 61), it was clear to me that I have not expected much out of Him, nor have I even asked for much. I've been a fool. The skies declare His handiwork, the earth shouts His praise. I've called myself a Christ-follower for how long and I still have neglected this amazing truth: God is GOD and I am not. No matter how hard I try, I cannot fall out of God, He surrounds me, hems me in, behind and before.

Why have I been afraid to ask God to do big things? Am I scared that He will actually do them and therefore require of me something of which I don't think I'm capable? Does that mean my sins are sloth and cowardice in addition to pride? Yep, that's exactly what that means. It makes me wonder if I actually learned anything in med school. Seriously though, I can do things now that would've made me vomit 4 years ago. How did I learn those things? Through the crucible of experience. Why would I expect that learning faith would be any different? Because I am lazy, egocentric and scared. I don't expect to see God move because a) I think I can do everything myself and b) I haven't asked Him to move. This must change, I know it will. It will require a fundamental shift of my trust balance, from me to Him. It's going to take time, I'm fairly stubborn, but as I fade into the background, He will become more evident.

I am so excited to see what God will do in me and through me on this mission. I am excited to advance in my skill and knowledge as a student doctor, but, honestly, I'm really excited to see how He will heal people spiritually (especially me), and the amazing life transformations that will come through experiencing Jesus. Africa's wounds require much more than legislation and benevolent programs to heal. They require the healing hands of the Great Physician.

God doesn't make mistakes. Every single person we encounter each day was made in His image and is on Earth for His glory, whether they know it or not. Because of the Cross, I know that each one is special to Him, no matter how they appear to me. Pray that this Truth would guide me as I attempt to provide medical and spiritual care to those who God brings to Kijabe (and for the rest of my career). Pray that securing eternal life would be paramount, even if we cannot prolong life in this one.

I appreciate your prayers. I'll try to get to all of your emails as I am able. Keep them coming.

Bless God and be blessed.