Since becoming jobless back in February 2011, my life definitely went down a road that most 20-something lives seem to take after graduating college. As I viewed my options, I was so unsure of what road to take. There was Road A: Which was to find a job here in Oklahoma City, doing something that related to my degree and getting paid a fair amount. Then Road B: Go back to working for my old company, just till something came along. Then there was Road C: Move back to Texas because all the doors in Oklahoma City are closing. Road C really looked like the best option at the end of June, but slowly started to realize that things weren't lining up down there in good ole Texas as I had hoped. So what do you do when all the Roads you choose don't feel right and there is this unsettled feeling that says to wait?! Well, you wait and while you wait you go to Whataburger at 11:30 pm on a Wednesday night after an Elevate service with a few close and very in-tune with God type of friends.
That takes me to Road D, also known as "The Road Less Traveled."
As we were all sitting around eating some Honey Butter Chicken Biscuits and catching up on life, my dear friend Danielle decided to speak some hard truths into our lives. As she went around the table, I just listened and definitely agreed with what she was saying. But I was curious and anxious to find out what she had in store for me. So, my time came and all she said was, "I don't know what your deal is and what you are waiting for, but you need to figure it out." Of course I laughed and said, "Yes, that's so true" and then the topic of Africa came out of my mouth. Another good friend was taking a trip in August to South Africa to spend two weeks with an organization my church is a part of and then to eventually move down there a few months later. I spoke how I was so envious and wish I could do that. So naturally what the table of friends said, "...then why don't you?"
I sat there with that question and something inside like a bright light was finally switched on. I tried to hide that light and spoke of "That's the other end of the world!" But that didn't phase me at all. And then of course a huge question of, "What about my parents and who will take care of them?" Easily answered: Matthew 8:21-22 and Matthew 10:31-39 (look them up!) So of course I look them both up and read them a few times over and the same response keeps repeating, "No Father, I am worthy and I want to follow You, wherever that may take me." I was finally at peace and it felt so right in my heart and in my spirit to go be a part of what is happening in South Africa.
For those of you reading this and wondering, "WHAT! Lori, come on, really Africa?!?" Come talk to me about it so I can just talk your ear off on how amazing God is and the work and light He is showing me. Or for those who may be wondering when I'm going and for how long...I have no idea! I'm still waiting on all those answers to be answered. I know that it won't be next month, but I have a feeling it will be very soon in 2012. I'm so excited for what God has up His sleeve and I really can't wait to finally be doing what He has prepared me to do.
By the way... After realizing my cause and location, God opened the door for a job and then a few weeks later, opened a bigger door for another job. He is good and when we decide to dive in and say, "Yes God," He provides us with the location. Pretty cool! :) So say "Yes God" and wait for the what and where!
