To the Hilt

Wherever you are, be all there. Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God. --Jim Elliot

This day has come so much faster than I expected it to. I am sitting in the airport, waiting for my flight to leave the United States. The past few days have been a whirlwind of packing, last-minute errands and vaccinations, and goodbyes (for now). So much preparation has gone into this trip. I have been doing hours of research and writing for ID2050, a class entirely dedicated to preliminary IQP work. The more I've learned about the safe house, my project, and Cape Town, the more I've been looking forward to seeing all of it in real life and to be a part of the work that is going on there.

Of course, there is a part of me that doesn't want to leave. Saying goodbye to my family (especially a crying younger sister) is heartbreaking, although just for a few weeks. It's hard to imagine being so far away, even if it isn't my first time being immersed in another culture. The timing of this trip is also something that I've questioned--it's a hard time to leave home. However, I am so confident in the fact that God has a plan for me, and that He knew what He was doing in placing me in South Africa for this project. I have a feeling that He is going to do incredible things, maybe through me but surely in me. I can't wait to see what they are.

Just as I was finishing that thought, my mom sent me a text saying "God has planned it this way intentionally, so make the most of it." The exact message that I am trying to convey in writing this. Although I surely leave a portion of my heart at home, I want to be all there when I am in Cape Town, as this is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity, one that few people have the privilege of experiencing. I know already that before I know it, my time will be over. So I want to be purposeful in living "to the hilt"--there will be opportunities that draw me out of my comfort zone, but that can't be an excuse not to make the most of them. I have confidence in the fact that God is with me and will be every moment while I'm there. This time will pass all to quickly, so I want to make as much of it as I can.

My plane will be leaving soon, but I want to thank you all for your thoughts and prayers, and taking the time to read my blog while I'm gone. I'll write again as soon as I can!

Til later,
Sam