Olugendo (Journey)

Proverbs 20:24 “A man’s steps are directed by the Lord, how then can any man understand his own way?”

This little known verse from Proverbs has been my favorite Scripture since I was in junior high. It’s funny how I found it so applicable to my life then, but I had no idea where I would find myself ten years later. I’m currently sitting in a coffee shop, typing on my computer. But that coffee shop is in Uganda, Africa. AFRICA?!?! Yes, I still find that funny when I think about it! How did I end up here? If I tried to explain it, I couldn’t. I’m simply left with that verse from Proverbs. I will never understand how my life has ended up the way that it has.

One of my first nights back here, I was suffering from jet lag, and found myself wide awake at 3 AM just laughing. I couldn’t help myself. It was so easy two and a half months ago when God told me to buy my ticket here. Ok, at the time it wasn’t. Stepping out of the boat is never very easy, but compared to the faith it takes to continue walking on the water, it really is.

God told me to buy my ticket and go. I ditched my graduation from grad school, purchased a one-way ticket and flew to the other side of the world, believing that God had it all figured out and I would find a job and the financial stability I need when I arrived. 

Once I was here, I realized how crazy this plan is! I have now been here for over a month, and am still searching for work. Every road has proved to be a dead-end. I haven’t heard back from any job I’ve applied for, every connection I’ve pursued has been fruitless. It’s frustrating. So flippin’ frustrating!

But somehow, God’s grace keeps me going. Every day is a new day. My mom bought me a mug during my freshman year of college with the word “Journey” written on one side and Jeremiah 29:11 on the other. I think we hear some Scriptures so often, they have become meaningless. But stop and think about this one for a moment: “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”

This last month has been such a blessing. It’s been a month-long vacation, in a beautiful, tropical climate, with the love of my life! How could I complain about that? Life in the U.S. is so hectic and busy (and life in NYC is even worse!), how often do you get a day off – let alone a month!? It’s amazing :)

I believe that God will soon provide me employment – He didn’t call me here just to abandon me! But for now, I’m going to enjoy each moment that He has given me. 

Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”