Day 6
I am sitting in the DFW airport waiting for a flight back to Austin. The last 24 hours have been a little crazy. I got a text in middle of night that because of the weather in Dallas my flight had been cancelled and they were now booking me on an earlier flight through Chicago. Only problem was it left in two hours. Since it is about hour to get to airport and all the customs requirements on an international flights, it seemed impossible that I would make the flight. It was a wild and crazy scene throwing my things in the suitcase and out of the flat in less than 15 minutes. Then I had a taxi ride that will probably scar me for life. But I made it to airport to find out I was actually booked on the flight TOMORROW! The flight was full. But , as always...God is in control and He always has a plan. I was able to get on another flight to DFW. But, I was told there were no flights to Austin today. I was scheduled on flight for Thursday. I knew in my heart that God would work out the details once I got to DFW.
As I left London it was not quite the goodbye I had envisioned with Krista. Our week had been perfect and I knew it would be hard saying goodbye and emotional. But again, God had a better plan. We didn't even have time to say goodbye and get all emotional. There was no crying, just two women running around like their heads were cut off! One quick hug while Krista stood in her pjs on the sidewalk while a foreign cab driver threw my bags in the car all the while shaking his head thinking those crazy Americans!
I sit here now in this airport with time to think about the last few days. I am 100% percent confident in God's providence. If there were ever any doubts about Krista being in London I have none now. Through everything and every detail, I can see God's hand in and how His glory is being revealed. I have thought a lot today about a comment Krista made to me over dinner one night...."Mom I miss everyone and Texas so much, but knowing I am in God's will means more to me. " I know she is right. I have wondered over the last few weeks why God would ask a 21 year old girl to get out of her comfort zone and place her in a foreign country and to work with a people group that as a American she has been taught to fear and even hate. If I have one regret this week is that I did not get to meet the women and children that Krista works with at the center. The center is closed this week because of Easter holidays. But the stories I have heard about the relationships that are being formed, the friendship and love that is shared in that center is just almost too much for me to comprehend. It is the perfect picture of showing unconditionally love for this group of Muslims just as Jesus loves them. That maybe by the love and the actions of a small group of missionaries the people that come to the center will be intrigued by these new friends' hope in Christ and they will accept that life saving grace that only Jesus Christ offers.
I know.. I know... I have heard all the talk and warnings about the radical Islam followers in Europe and America. Yes, these people concern me just as they concern many of the Muslim people. There are many Muslims who are angered, frustrated and ashamed of the actions many of theses terrorists do in the name of Allah. But they are no different than the anger, shame and even hate I feel for those groups such as westboro baptist group , and klu klux klan and other radical groups that do terrorists actions in the name of God.
The only difference is that all these people do not know my Jesus. The one and only one that offers a saving grace and salvation for eternity. I know what Krista knows....that statistically the chances that she sees one convert to Christianity during her time here is very slim. But maybe that is not the only reason she is here.
Maybe God wanted her here so her Mother would come for a visit and understand even more that God is in control of all things. It doesn't matter if it is delayed flights, weather, or all the daily frustrations of finding your way in a new city, God is always in control.
Or maybe it was to show this Mother that God sends people everywhere to preach his word. That having a daughter in London is no different than having a daughter in Austin or a son in Elgin. Wherever God has destined a person to live, He just wants them to be obedient and share his love.
Or maybe it was to show this year small town Texas middle age woman that God has created an amazing world filled with spectacular sights and beautiful people. And if she was being honest with herself she has limited God in her mind. That she has allowed her own racial prejudices and fears limit what God was calling her to do. That maybe if she was only be bold enough to talk to her neighbor and friends about the life saving grace that Jesus offers she would be amazed of all the things God wanted to show her.
Oh Lord, I thank you for these last few days in London and I thank you or revealing in me some major areas I need to work on in my life. Give me the boldness to tell others about you. Let me be reminded this Holy Week what Easter really means. But most of all let me love all people as you have loved us.
"So now I am giving you a new commandment: love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples." John 13:34-35
