I am just a few hours away from getting on a plane to return to my family. I am super excited to go back to them: to see my 3-year-old sister, to hear about my other sister’s journey to Europe, to know that my dad is recovering well from his surgery, and to see how my mom dealt with all the chaos of the summer. I can’t wait to discover how God has been working in my community while I was away… But in so many ways I feel like I’m leaving home, not going back.
I’ve only been here for two months this time around, but the very first day I arrived in Kenya will be a year ago tomorrow… which is my birthday. I started and ended my nineteenth year of life arriving in and leaving this wonderful country. God has given me such a love for His people here and home is not a place, but as the saying goes, “Home is where the heart is.” My heart is in Kenya. While I know that God has prepared a place for me in America to abundantly receive His blessings, I also know that He is preparing a place for me in Kenya to return to.
The most wonderful thing is that it is not in my hands. I do not have to worry about anything, because God’s plan is so much bigger than my own. As long as I am listening to His calling and following His leading, I will always be exactly where I am meant to be. God’s plan is absolutely nothing short of an adventure.
Beautiful.
Bless you, Joelle. Your words are beautiful. My daughter, Reine, has been with you the past 2 months, and I know is working in her, too. May your continued journey with God be awesome!