Global Urban Trek 2008
Tough TransitionsJuly 24, 2008
"Therefore, my beloved brethen, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." 1 Cor 15:58
It's crazy to think that I have only two more days in Kolkata and then I'm off to Bangkok to debrief with all the Asian treks! In many ways it feels as though I just arrived in Kolkata, yet in many more ways, the timing seems right.
It will be hardest to leave my sisters at Connexions. They have taught me so much about loving others and sharing everything they have. Tomorrow, Connexions is throwing a goodbye party for Brenna and me. They have been so sad that this was our last week. Our students thought we were going to be teaching them for at least a year!
I will miss their hospitality. I will miss seeing their beautiful faces everyday. I will miss just being with them.
I will miss Saturday adventures with Keya and church services with Tumpa. I will miss their testimony of confronting adversity with determination. I will miss their eagerness to sing songs about Jesus. Most of all I will miss their daily witness to me that life is simple when your focus is love and community.
As I prepare to leave, I take with me all the lessons God has taught me through them. I take with me the woman of God that they have challenged me to become. I take with me a new understanding of the special place the poor have in God's heart. I take with me a new charge for selfless love at all costs. In reality, I am only leaving behind the physical reminders of my sisters at Connexions, for they have forever impacted me.
Despite leaving behind relationships in Kolkata and my fears of culture shock upon re-entering America, I am excited to begin sharing with my family, friends, Church and community all the ways in which God is working for His kingdom to come in India.
This summer has been such a growth spurt for my intimacy with Christ and understanding of His call on our lives. I am ready to share God's lessons and to continue advocating for the poor in my relative location.
For if we know Christ, how can we possibly keep Him to ourselves when the majority of the world has yet to hear His name? We must never silence the hope found only in Christ!
- Julie
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