This summer seems to me to have added several chapters to the story of my life. It has been a bit of a strange summer, but also a very good summer. I have enjoyed every part of it overall. There were some pretty stressful times and some things that were not as enjoyable, but overall, it was great.
Taiwan was a major chapter of my life. It definitely stands alone as its own chapter without question. It was a life-changing experience, and one that I do not believe I will soon forget. It had some intense moments of real-worldness, many moments of fun, and new acquaintances and friends that had a great influence on my life. For me, a visit to a place like Taiwan humbles a bit of my American prejudice and bias. It opened my eyes a little bit to how closed-minded I am at times. I began to see even better that in reality, all men are created equal. Everyone has a story to tell, something to contribute, something to teach me if I am willing to learn. It's a humbling and incredible realization.
Another chapter separate from Taiwan was my almost two weeks at home. It was a bit different than some previous trips home because my grandma was living with us and my oldest sister was gone. It was weird for my sister to be gone. I'm used to being the only one gone, and that was not the case this time. Then, my grandma is not doing very well physically and that is hard, too. It's even harder because I know it's hard on my parents. I greatly enjoyed being home. It was a good time, even though it, too, had stressful parts. It was hard to leave. It almost seemed harder than some times in the past. I think part of that was because I felt like I could be useful at home, and maybe part of it was because I haven't spent much time at home because I didn't go home at the beginning of summer like I usually do. The other reason that I think is probably a big part of it is that every time I leave home, I know that I am getting closer to it not being "home" so to speak. Oh, there'll always be a certain extent to which wherever Mom and Dad are is "home" I think, but I've pretty well moved out and home is becoming more and more where I am and not where they are. I don't like to think about it, but it's a part of growing up I guess. Just not part that I particularly like. Even though I don't mind being on my own, it's a bit of an insecure feeling. All is well, though.
The last chapter of my summer was traveling with one of the mixed trios from the school. It was overall a very enjoyable experience and brought back a lot of memories. They were a fun bunch to travel with and really let me feel a part of the group. I was a little nervous going into it because I was trying to fill the role of a sponsor, which I had never done in that fashion before, but the Lord helped them and me and the summer finished well I felt.
And now...tomorrow begins the next chapter of my life.... The chapter in which I am the Student Recruiter for Hobe Sound Bible College. I am excited, nervous...etc. I think it is going to be a good year. I am excited about that fact. I am nervous because I really want to do my job well and contribute much to the department. I don't just want to do my job; I want to make a difference. And that is not something happens very often by just doing the bare minimum. It takes hard work, dedication, and Spirit leadership. I want to be used. I sense that God wants me to be the change that I have desired to see. That is scary and exciting as well. I am hopeful for the future of the college if we will really let God have His way.
So tomorrow it begins. I appreciate the prayers of any who think of me. I am not enough on my own, but I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me. Amen.
