Anticipation…

Isn’t it interesting how much we tend to enjoy the anticipation of special events like vacation, a birthday party or a date with someone special?  We almost enjoy the anticipation as much as the event itself.  On the flip side of the coin, the anticipation of a visit to the dentist, a shot, a punishment or possibly a job interview can cause more anxiety than the actual event.  We are awaiting our departure for Africa with much anticipation both negative and positive.  For example, we anticipate a long, tiring flight and being faced with a lot of strange sights, smells and mixed feelings as we arrive and begin to adjust to our new surroundings.  We anticipate cultural misunderstandings, feelings of distrust and even confusion at times.  We anticipate homesickness and a desire to want to return to what is familiar when seemingly small issues build up and eventually turn to cultural stress.  We anticipate having to “hang in there” for at least 2 years before we will begin to feel “at home”.

On the other hand we anticipate God’s faithfulness and grace, which is already there, being sufficient for every situation.  We anticipate meeting new friends, enjoying new foods and learning a new way of doing things that will ultimately help us feel at home in Africa and continue to conform us to the image of our Lord Jesus Christ.  We look forward to the day when we can effectively carry out our new ministries and be culturally relevant representatives of Christ to our new friends and neighbors.