The Journey Begins

I anticipated that my first post regarding my trip to Africa would be sometime next week. Since I'm not leaving until this weekend that would make sense. However, God has a funny way of changing our plans, and so I'm posting now. Already, I've learned something from this experience.

I woke up this morning after 3 hours of sleep with that queasy feeling that we all know and yet can't adequately describe. It was the feeling of not being sure I was completely sick, but knowing I definitely wasn't well. Desperate to return to dreamland, I tried to fall back asleep, however, it avoided me every step of the way. And so I stayed awake trying to figure out which self-remedy would return me to repose the quickest.

But I never did make it back to sleep. Instead I graded papers and did a few household things to get ready for my trip. That's where the lesson comes in. When I realized that my day wasn't going to shape up exactly like I intended, that in all likelihood I would begin taking my malaria pills on an already upset stomach, and that I would need to renegotiate my carefully crafted schedule for getting everything done before my departure, I was reminded that my plans were going to change, but His plans hadn't. He knows exactly what needs to get done before I leave, and despite my desire for sleep, being up at 1:30 in the morning definitely helped make that happen. His purposes will be brought to completion even if mine aren't. I can't say I was joyful about the situation, but I was definitely made grateful.

May every day of this journey hold lessons that are just as significant.