The truth of the matter is that I can't believe how quickly this last year has flown by.
The truth of the matter is that I am avoiding closing the last bag because there would then be a sense of finality to the leaving process.
The truth of the matter is I am so excited to go and serve and see God move and work (in both small and large ways. I'm confident in both)
But (final one) the truth of the matter is that I cannot believe how much stuff I have accumulated over the years despite my best efforts to throw things away.
About 7 years ago (cannot believe its been that long) I went to Armenia and I saw the world at what I would have considered its worst. Museum showed the travesty of a genocide that has been long debated over the years, people were still living in rubble and metal boxed cars, and I cried for them. It was the first time I had really left the country and the first time I had experienced poverty in a real and tangible way. When I realized that many of the girls had roughly 2-3 outfits and I realized I had packed more than what they owned in a suitcase for just 11 days.
Since then, I've experienced and seen poverty in many places: Inner-city Chicago, Indy, Fort Wayne; Honduras; Haiti; and Mexico. And even still I feel like those experiences are so quickly forgotten and every bit of room I have has been filled up with things that I just don't need. I have been putting things in plastic bins for when I get back and eventually move after wedding (3/19/16 to Seal the Deal if anyone is wondering) but I can't help but wonder if there are better ways to distribute these belongings. Obviously if I can part with them for year, I'm not that attached, right?
Perhaps I'm thinking too much about this, but with wedding plans and packing and life moving so fast, I have found myself contemplating my dreams vs. reality and contentment vs wishes. The more room I have and the more space I give myself, the more I want to fill it with randomness... books actually... mostly books. Didn't realize how many I actually had and I've gotten rid of a lot too. But the fact of the matter is ultimately they are just things. I've never wanted the "American dream" with the house and white picket fence and 2.5 children and a dog... well I would like a dog and a few kids, but those aren't things that define me or my value so why live in such a way that its built around achieving those things rather than getting closer to God?
Praying the Lord helps me to learn to live more simplistically this next year. (I'm sure Bradley is praying in agreement haha) At the end of the day, I can't pack it all up and take it with me to Jordan. At the end of my life, I can't say that this stuff has really done me any good. When I finally reach Heaven, Lord willing, none of it will be going with me anyway, but in the mean time I get to deal with it. Praying I use the resources given to me, wisely. I'm praying that I am reminded to not take anything for granted. The Lord owns it all and provides what is needed. He has shown me in the last several months that I can Fully Rely On God (FROG) in all things. *Would be cool to find FROG and WWJD bracelets again* The Jordan opportunity was a miracle and God ordained. Assuming that the rest of the monthly donations come in, I am 101% funded despite having only really started fundraising about 4 months ago. If I receive a roommate, its 130% [Edit: Any donations left or over what is needed will be left for ministry needs]
God provides and provides over and above what we ask for.
So why do I need so much?
I guess I can relate to Paul in Philippians 4:18-19 "I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus."
My church, friends, family have blown my mind in the way that they have gone above and beyond to help support this calling. There is a calling on all of our lives to go and make disciples. Sometimes, "going" is actually to help send someone for you. Like the Epaphroditus church who supported Paul, I have been sent by all of you and praying the Lord uses me in His will. Its all about His will.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Rebekah Is Jordan Bound: How To Support M.E.~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
For cash or check please send charitable donations to Global Treasury Services. Checks should be made payable to General Treasurer Church of the Nazarene at:
Church of the Nazarene
P.O. Box 843116
Kansas City, MO 64184
and memo should include the following information: 1. Amman, Jordan 2. Rebekah Musselman. 3. Mission Corps.
Donations can also be given online:Donation Site
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