None of these questions are easy to answer. I could give you all the pat answers. The spiritual answers or make it all sound like an extremely high calling I am so blessed and lucky to fulfill. I could just say it and nothing else and let all of you jump to your own conclusions about why I am doing what I am.
While all of these are somewhat valid answers. When I think of using each one something seems unfulfilled. Like I am not telling you something vital to me and my story. Right now the only way I feel I can get as much of the story I know out there is to answer all, and possibly more, of these questions.
Please be patient as I, at least in some degree, process as I write.
In just over two weeks, June 21, I am boarding the M/V Kennicott in Bellingham, WA to move to Anchorage, AK. I will be working as the Communications Director for Skilled Missions (www.skilledmissions.org) While I cannot wait for this experience, especially the opportunity to enjoy this adventure with a great friend, it is a little scary to think of actually driving my car on a boat and really moving.
I will arrive in Anchorage June 26 where I will begin the second step of a crazy summer where I am traveling over 14,000 miles while never really leaving the United States. All in less than two months.
I could tell you the reason why is because I think it is where God wants me right now in life, which is true. I could tell you it is because I want to serve Jesus in a place I love, which is true. I could tell you it is a dream come true, which it is. I could tell you that while I may seem confident of my decision, which I am, I am also crazy scared, which I am. I could tell you it is because I want to do as much right now while I am single and childless as I can, which is true.
If you ask "are you moving because_____(fill in the blank) the answer is probably yes. So I can fish? Yes. So I can hunt? Yes. So I can pick berries and greens? Yes. So I will always (fingers crossed) have wild game to enjoy? Yes. So I can officially tell so many of my friends I beat them to Alaska? Yes. For a guy? Yes.
Now before everyone freaks out over the last one let me throw in a bit of theology. I believe Jesus came to earth and was fully human aka a guy. So I am not lying. But it is not a guy walking the earth right now. Not that I am against the possibility.
As I sit here writing about moving I get excited. I am so ready to get to work in Alaska. To finally be there. I have been asked for years when I am moving to Alaska and I finally have a date. I can't wait to get that Alaska DL, fishing license and pfd. I can't wait to see everyone, and not have to think about the time in mere days or weeks when I will be leaving. It is an awesome time in life.
But I am also thinking of the fact that in one week I will have to say goodbye to all the students I have had the amazing privilege of working beside this year. I will have to face the fact I will no longer spend my Tuesday nights entertained by some random conversation in my car. I will no longer have students making me laugh at the insanity of whatever conversation or activity they are partaking in. I will no longer be able to walk to the Moore's house to watch a movie or eat dinner with them.
Nine months of my life has been spent living and growing to love Eugene and the people here. When I think of leaving it hurts. It makes me question my decision to move. Knowing there is no one to come behind me and make what I have worked toward even better, is hard. Knowing it will be months, possibly years, before I see so many of the people I have grown to care deeply for, hurts.
Right now I am in the middle of two radically different emotions colliding towards each other. When they meet I'm not sure I will know exactly what to do. All I know is that no matter how crazy it seems it is right. I know this deep within my heart and soul. It is hard to explain, but I can already see how God is going before me in preparation for all that will come my way in the very near future.
Please pray for me as I continue on this adventure. While many of the little details have already worked themselves out, there are still some that need to work. Pray for wisdom for me as I make decisions. Pray for boldness in my final weeks in Eugene that above all I would share Jesus and all He has done for me. Pray for me to leave well. Pray for me to arrive well. And if you can't remember any of these, just pray for me.
Thank you to each of you who made it all the way through this post. Thank you for supporting me in this journey. I would be happy to answer any other questions you may have. If you would like to stay connected with what God is doing through Skilled Missions email me at sarahsakadventure@gmail.com and I will add you to my update list.
"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 'The lord is my portion,' says my soul, 'therefore I will hope in Him.'"
Lamentations 3:22-24
