A Change of Plans

I can't believe that it's only a matter of days before I make my way across the Pacific for two months in the Philippines... the Philippines?? Not exactly my original plans.

For the last few months I've been preparing for what I anticipate to be one of the most incredible experiences of my life. I had been accepted into the Summer Missions Program of CRWM to spend 2 months in Niger, Africa. It was the perfect missions opportunity: learning African culture, practicing my French, and working with children in an orphanage in the city of Niamey. The team would be a party of two, myself and, unexpectedly, an old friend from highschool. But...

There's always a "but" in these stories.

Well, God sent a message and said He had other plans for us.

Last Thursday, we found out that the political situation in Niger is far ffrom stable, and without going into the details, things just weren't safe. At the time, there were no definite changes, but my friend and I were given the option of joining the Philippines team should Niger not work out. For awhile, things died down, and Niger still seemed to be the plan, but (there's that word again) once we arrived in Grand Rapids for our pre-field orientation, a few more events in Niger decidedly called off the missions trip.

Disappointed? No lies, I am. Yet in the end, it's a good thing God's in control of this world, and not me. And you know, I'm not sure whether or not I would've decided to go to the Philippines on my own, had the Niger option closed down earlier.

I was always saying how I was preparing to see and learn how God works in the African culture of Niger. Well, God's in the Philippines just like He is in Canada, and in Africa, and there must be something pretty incredible to learn there. I know God's got a reason for His incredible plans, and frankly, I'm quite excited to find out all about it. :)