The Waiting Game: Day 1

At the Angels game with the girls yesterday :)

I am officially unemployed. The grant ends tomorrow, but I finished up all my work this weekend and just sent off my final report. Friday I had a conference call with our grant manager and a grantor; they wanted any suggestions I had for them going into Year 3 of the grant, and expressed that they were really pleased with my work and were sad to see me go. That was nice...I was encouraged, and I feel like I have great connections here for when I come back.

Coming back from New York last week I was trying not to feel discouraged as I enter this in-between time. Between a really, really discouraging interaction with someone in Greece who I'd hoped (and still hope) to work with, and not having all the financial support in yet, I've been a little disheartened. I said a long time ago that when I go to Athens, I want to be 100% certain that it's God taking me there, and not my own desires, because when bumps come in the road, I will need that assurance so that I don't question what I'm doing. Already I've had to fall back on that; sometimes it just seems like it would be easier to give up. But I'm confident in what I'm doing and where I'm going; when I think about each fear or doubt or disappointment I have, it can be put to rest through prayer, preparation, and trust. I know I am going ahead with exactly what I'm supposed to be doing.

So, today is the first day that I have nothing. I have a lot of cleaning and sorting to do that should keep me busy for awhile. I need to buy a whiteboard and just make lists of everything that I need to do for the move, even if I don't know when that is happening. I will get my last paycheck on Friday, so I need to consider housing and other things over the next couple months or however long I'm here.

I spoke at a class at church yesterday and some seasoned missionaries were prayed for at the beginning of class. They left for the field (Africa) last night and have a lot of unknowns that they are going back to. They read a quote about Waiting, about being present and seeing what God has during the waiting time. This time is important for growth or learning or whatever the case may be; it's important not to miss out on what He is doing during these times of waiting and uncertainty. I have a lot going on still; Bible study, college group, a college girls' life group, outreach, etc. Lots to focus on, learn from, and grow from. I'm hoping to soak it all up while I have the opportunity.