There is so much to say about this time in Egypt... leading a team was so different than my previous times there, yet such a good challenge. Before leaving, I found myself frustrated with God for "making me" come home to the states, exhausted at trying to process everything, and secretly hoping that He would say, "Okay, now you can go." However, I knew this would not be the case. I know God has me right where He wants me. I know that daily He is revealing more of Himself to me.
The minute I set foot on Egypt soil, my heart was overwhelmed. I was "home" (or at least at my second home). Watching the faces of our team that was there for the first time reminded me of my first time there in November of 2008. There is so much culture to soak in, so much that is different than what we are used to.
Driving to camp, my nerves were out of control. I was dying to see Meesh, Bassem, Engy & Julianna, Kaska & Maged, Michael, Emad, Christine, and so many more. My heart was pounding in my chest. We took the team shopping first and then drove to Wadi.
Wadi is a place that will always be close to my heart. It is not "Egypt." It is more like a resort/ camp in Egypt. This is the place where my journey to South Africa began last year. This is the place where I was challenged spiritually in a way that left me unsure of what I was doing and where I was going. This is the place that I have made lifelong friends, ones that I can sit and talk with for hours on end and still have more to say. Ones that ask the hard questions and desire to see me live the life God has called me to live. Ones that have prayed with me and cried with me. This place is special.
Upon arriving, I learned that Cassie would be there. Cassie is one of the leaders from the school in South Africa. Oh, how I was so excited! I was able to spend time talking with him about the last eight months of being home and all that has happened during that time. We talked about my struggles, my hopes and dreams. That 30 minutes was such a treasure. Cassie prayed for me at the end of our meeting and I left so refreshed and ready for what God is doing in my heart.
There are so many times in my life when I question and wrestle with God about what He is doing. I get frustrated and want to impose my plan upon Him as if He needs help. I question timing and try to force issues sooner. The last eight months have been so much of that. It has been a mixture of pure joy being home with family (especially my 3 beautiful nieces!) and uneasiness as I felt so out of place. Many times I have wanted to pack my bags and head to Egypt.
Through the wrestling, confusion, heartache and joy, there is one thing I know... He is here. God is with me. He is working. He has a plan. He wants me to seek Him with all that I am. I am ready. Ready for His plan, for His timing, for His work.
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