A “call” begins with an inner longing and an outward invitation. I had both. It’s difficult to say exactly when it all began, but it has led me on twists and turns, to unexpected places doing unexpected things. Now I am ready to embark on a new trek called, “Looking for Gold.” You are welcome to come along!
But a word of caution before we venture out into the mines! In 2002 I took an amazing trip with a medical team to poor villages in southern Russia. While the story of what happened to me there is for another time, I remember one day that our bus stopped on the side of the road, pulling into a gravel lot. As the team got off the bus and we stretched our legs, I noticed some small glimmering rocks and picked one up to examine it. The person standing near me said, “It’s called ‘fool’s gold.’ It’s mica, a mineral; it’s not gold.” I slipped the rock into my pocket.
“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14
Since that day, I have sometimes wondered if I am a “fool” for staying in this country so many years, enduring the inconvenience and stress of living in a foreign culture where I can never hope to speak the language fluently; the experience of which is becoming more daunting as the years go by, not less. And then there is the tension between the familiar life I’ve left behind (some would say that I have “forsaken”) and the scary uncertainty of the “conflict” with “neighbors” and test alerts blasting me out of bed when I least expect them as it happened this morning!
What can I say? My God called my name. I am here.
So… the darker the path, the more light is needed. “Looking for gold” and the nuggets I find light my way. I am not afraid. Let the “digging” begin!
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Hi Pat,
always good to hear from you. You have been on a great adventure. I’m sure it has not been easy. I have enjoyed following your endeavors. I hope you remain in good health.
Gd Bless You,
Norm Franzen
Thanks, Norm! I hope all is well with you!
PatM