Indulge Me Briefly

Indulge me briefly.  I'm having a flashback to a year ago, almost to the day.  I had returned home from JMU for my fall/Thanksgiving break.  For a few weeks, I had been considering applying for STINT with Cru, and made plans to talk with my parents and brothers about it over my week off.  I had a long conversation with my parents; then video-chatted with each of my brothers and sister to share with them what I was thinking and get their input.  But one of them stands out the most, and it only seems appropriate to talk about it today.

When I started up the Facetime with him, we just chatted.  But he knew there was something I wanted to talk to him about, so he didn't wait long to bring it up.  I told him I was considering doing a one-year internship with Cru overseas after I graduated.  His first response, after telling me he knew what STINT was, was to tell me that he always anticipated I would become a missionary; he just felt it suited me!  (Side note: when I took a spiritual gifts test recently, missionary was near the top of the list.)  So he was all for me doing it.  But I had some bad news: if I chose to do this STINT instead of go to grad school, there would be a decent chance that I would not be able to go to his wedding in China the next November.  His response, I'm not sure I ever told him, nearly brought me to tears.  He told me: "Alyson, what you would be doing there is so much more important than coming to my wedding."  Even now, writing about it, is making me nearly cry.  Of all the things I could have heard, that was the most reassuring statement that I was on the right track in making a decision.  And when I made this decision to STINT, I knew that not going was a possibility.  But like he said, this job, and the opportunity, are just too important to pass up.

Today, in just an hour, I am leaving the Netherlands to catch a flight to China.  By the amazing grace of God, I am going to his and my sister-in-law's wedding!  When I got the go ahead from the different authorities in Cru to buy my ticket, I was so relieved.  To miss my brother's wedding...that would be devastating, something I think I would have always regretted.  But I don't have to worry about it; I'm getting on a plane today.  I will not only get to see my brother get married, but it will be the first time my family will be ALL together in nearly 3 years.  Praise God, and please keep travel mercies for my family and me in your prayers!