New Beginnings

I am officially an employee of Every Village! Yesterday marked the beginning of the journey of learning probably more than I have over the past 5 years, all crammed into less than 6 months. I hope my brain is ready. I do have to say that the welcoming onto the Every Village team was super awesome. I felt as though I was back in highschool running onto the basketball court for a game with the slow clap and cheers as the Nasir team came into the room. It was definitely a moment of great celebration as we have all looked forward to this day, and to top it off, we had cupcakes decorated as mud huts! But the best part about it was the powerful prayer time the 13 of us had. The Spirit was definitely thick in that room as we warred over eachother and the months to come and for the salvation of thousands in South Sudan. It brought me to tears to be in a room surrounded by people who are so passionate about the advancement of the Kingdom of God in South Sudan and ultimately proclaiming the glory of God. I am so profoundly blessed.

With new beginnings, there is also the closing of some chapters of my life, which requires constant surrender. Friday was my last day at Alta Mesa, and it was bittersweet. Even though I only worked there a few months, I was so encouraged by all the people who worked there. Everyone was so kind and willing to help in any way that they could. Many blessings to Alta Mesa Holdings. Along with the completion of my time there last week, I also received letters of acceptance into the Accelerated BSN programs at both UT Health Science Center Houston and UTMB in Galveston. Acceptance to both of these schools came as a huge surprise to me as my prerequisite grades did not meet the requirements laid out. In all honesty, part of me greatly questioned my calling to South Sudan, as it was pretty miraculous that I got into both programs. I started to think about how if I stayed in the states one more year I could provide better medical aid to the South Sudanese or if I didn't go, in a year I could be making pretty good money as a nurse. I realized that I needed to pray for complete surrender of my pride and selfish desires, which continues to be a daily struggle for me. But just seeing the faithfulness of our Lord and how He has moved mightily in my fundraising process as well as confirming my calling in many ways, I know that South Sudan is His plan for me right now. Nursing school will always be here. I have asked so many times why it has happened this way, where I have two paths to choose from, both of which are awesome, but I still do not understand. Thankfully, God does not ask us to understand all He does. I was reminded of what He continuously told me during the process of praying through my calling. He kept saying, "Christina, do you trust me?" So that is what I am going to do, trust Him, trust that He knows best and thank Him for the favor that I have so undeservingly received along both paths. To God be the glory!

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you TRUST in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13