I'm certainly not in Bosnia yet (a week to go, God willing), but I don't quite feel like I'm 'in' my American life... just living between.
seven days.
One week left. Just typing that is INSANE! I learned about YES Abroad and started the long (and rewarding) application process a year and nine months ago. CRAZY!
Since then, I did an entire virtual exchange school year 'in' the Philippines, applied for the scholarship a second time, got accepted to Ghana, Africa, had that get promptly cancelled, completed two Pre-Departure Orientation sessions (20+ hrs on Zoom), got re-reassigned to Bosnia and well - packed and prayed.
In seven days, I'll be in the Washington D.C airport meeting my fellow exchange students, off to an adventure that's been SO long in the making!!!!!
Whether I board that airplane in Appleton or not, if His will prevails, it will be perfect and exactly what I prayed for.
some random thoughts with Sophie.
Last week flew by; I know this next one will too and that's why Jesus is currently the only thing keeping me together. I am about 7/8 pure excitement and anticipation and joy and also 1/8 (a teeny, weeny bit) scared for goodbyes. I keep thinking about hugging my friends and family for the last time for 10 months and I don't even want to know how many tissues I'll surely need.
ALSO... this is what my packing really looks like. Thanks Google for that unrealistic expectation up there :)
on a screen.
This 'living between' is so weird. My life in Bosnia (or what it will be at least) only exists on a screen right now. Texts through What's App, long email chains, Zoom meeting language lessons, Googled images and time zone information, travel info emails and searching for the proper COVID test and probably more I'm forgetting. It's surreal that in a week the flesh and blood Sophie will be stepping onto foreign, Bosnian soil (probably concrete actually :), there to stay for a whole school year.
And then... that means that my life in America will trade it's place. Texts to friends about Winneconne and get-togethers, What's App face times with my parents and brothers (and hopefully Piggy Boy, Ned and Toby and Mrs. Purrs), emails with old teachers, and a hundred photos of life there.
woah, girl.
And the best part... I'm oddly calm about it all. Like my heart beat starts to rise a bit at the idea and then it's just calm again. Like Jesus saying, "Woah, girl. I got this. I'm holding you and your future and I got this."
*exhale* What a good God we serve, hey?
every little thing.
And another thing... (Sorry this is a bit everywhere) Something about the act of leaving makes me appreciate everything more. Every smile and hug from my friends, every random conversation with my dad (learned how to change a tire too - thanks dad :) and errand with my mom. Every time I feed my goats and give them a little pat and a 'be good, I love you.' Every time I'm called 'john' from Sam and every hug goodnight from Silas. Even sleeping in my own messy bedroom.
Like if I could always live with this sense of wonder and relishing the things around me like I have the past weeks I'd probably be a lot better off. You probably would too.
Jesus - cuz' it's never not time for Him.
It makes me think that Jesus intended us to life like tomorrow He'd come back for His followers. It's really nice to live between - and hard - and calming - but also frustrating at times - and deep - but also surreal.
I guess I might only get a few opportunities to live between - you never know. So I'm choosing to enjoy it - with Jesus' help of course. The odd, the frustrating and the exciting.
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two fun things.
it feels like fall outside right now and it is glorious!
i had my second Serbian lesson today (loving the language and my teacher :)
current jam.
"Highlands (Song of Ascent)" by Hillsong
SOPHIE!!!! That was wonderful to read. Living between is such a wonderful way to put it. Between excitement and fear, trial and victory. Such sweet dependence on God and seeing the hand and face of Jesus “during.” You could have seen all the obstacles as maybe this was Gods way of saying this is not what to do. But instead you can see the obstacles are all just part of anything we do in life. Persevering is difficult, but you are doing it! I’m so excited to see who you will be on the other side of this. HAVE THE BEST ADVENTURE!! I’ll be closely monitoring you. I’m so sorry I wasn’t able to make it to see you off. I…