So as I think most of you, or at least many of you, know, I applied to do something called Mission Year next year, where I will work as a missionary in some city in the US, volunteering with organizations in the city and helping out neighbors and other people, as well as learning about what I can do to fight injustice in the city (and then, of course, actually putting it into practice). And up until Wednesday night, I still didn't know where I would go. I had 5 choices-Philadelphia, Atlanta, Houston, Oakland, and Chicago. Philadelphia was my obvious first choice. It was a no-brainer.
Before I was accepted, I had made a list of three places and the order in which I wanted to go to them. I wanted Philadelphia, Oakland, and Chicago. But then I found out that I would give two preferences, and all of a sudden, things changed. Philadelphia never changed, but now I found myself trying to decide between Chicago and Atlanta. I had no idea why I even wanted to go to Atlanta, but in the end, I gave my first choice and said anywhere else would be fine, that I trusted them and God to put me where He needed me.
I knew by the end of March, I'd find out, and I hoped beyond hope that didn't mean waiting til midnight of the 31st to finally get an answer. And Mission Year did not disappoint. Wednesday night, I was checking my email before going to bed, and I saw the email. I called to myroommate when I opened it and sort of read it to her. I was glad it wasn't a short, quick, this-is-where-you're-going email that gave it away in the first line, since Gmail shows the first line in your inbox. I wanted to be able to read the email to find out. And I had to read a few paragraphs to finally get to it. But then I saw it... "Your new home next fall will be in Atlanta!" I was so excited. And it all made sense.
I am so sad to be leaving Ostrava. I love it here. And I love the people here. And I hope that I will be able to come back in the near future, though it will most likely be at least a year and a half to two years. Next year, I certainly won't have any money to travel out of the country. The closer my time comes to reaching the end, the more sad I get thinking about it. I don't want to say goodbye. But if there is one thing that my life has prepared me for, it's saying goodbye. I hate it, but it's sadly something that comes relatively easily for me. With much heartache, but little effort. I guess saying goodbye once every three to four years and packing up and moving somewhere else creates almost a routine in the sadness. But then there's the excitement of the unknown.
I am also, at the same time, thrilled to be a part of God's plan, to get to do His work in Atlanta. I can't wait to get there, though I find myself wishing for time to slow down so I don't have to go back to the US yet. Such mixed emotions.
I get to fundraise again, too! Admittedly, it's not my favorite aspect of doing anything, but it's necessary. And it's exciting that in the month of April, every donation will be matched, up to $1000. If you're interested in giving, go to www.missionyear.com/donate. You can give online or send a check to the address on the webpage. And to ensure tax deductibility, write my fund ID number rather than my name (it is 12-9030). This is a great time to give because every penny you give is matched, so essentially it's doubled! Thanks for thinking about it!
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