One thing that I don’t think I expressed too clearly was that these posts have been about a 20-day trip, which I went on as part of the interview process for Bridges of Hope International, after which a final decision will be made about whether I will go to South Africa full-time.
That clarified, the big update is that I arrived back into SFO about three weeks ago, and have been twiddling my thumbs in Cupertino ever since. I’m searching for an apt in SB with Theresa and holding my breath until I can move forward with or without BOH. I still don’t know when I’ll be back in SB, or even if I'll get to do this job. Basically, I’ve been waiting.
And now, the burning questions: How was the trip? Do I want the job?
The trip was great, especially considering that it was a two-week-long interview. As for the job, the most fitting response I can give is that only God could have brought me to South Africa. Everything about the place, the people, and the position fits.
The staff people I met had their feet on the ground, their confidence in Christ, and an understanding that real change happens slowly. The nature of the job excites the part of me that likes to create projects and see them through (two days in, I was already spouting out ideas and itching to make here-and-there improvements). And then, of course, BOH is an organization that I can honestly endorse. The idea of CHE, of sustainability, of giving a community the tools to develop what matters to them and then watching them thrive… What other cause could I stand behind, knowing Christ?
The only spot I had trouble with was whether this was a “calling.” What is a “calling,” anyway? For awhile, I had the concept misconstrued. I thought I needed to somehow “belong” in South Africa. But while I was in over my head during the camps, where a sea of Kosa people were talking in foreign clicks and constantly bursting into song, I thought to myself: this is their culture, their growth, their hope that’s happening. Going to SA would be about what Christ is doing with the people and the culture systems there. And the fact that my bizarre affinity for camp could play a part in that is humbling. I would be so blessed to know Christ in that way. And that’s part of what a “calling” is, isn’t it? Seeing what Christ is doing, where He’s going, and then following Him.
Well, that, and the nagging feeling that this is a job worth pursuing.
And then, to top everything off, there was this agonizingly beautiful view. It is the kind of puzzle-perfect fit that God likes to stew up, the kind of thing that I would never have thought of, but now that I’ve heard it, I can’t think of anything else I would rather do.
I am anxious for my final interview. I am brewing in excitement about a job that I may very nearly have, but shouldn’t get too excited about just yet. So, I will wait, pray, twiddle my thumbs for a little bit longer, and hope that this is my road less traveled by.
Pray for:
-My final interview at 8am on Monday morning!!!
