The Future...

"Do not let your hearts be troubled..." John 14:1

Dear friends,

I have been thinking a lot lately about life after STINT (my short term internship international here in Panama). A few months ago I didn´t know what I was going to be doing afterwards but I was okay with that, knowing that God has good plans for my life. However, as time has progressed and I realize that I have a little less than two months before I leave this beautiful country, fear has crept in. I know in my head that God will direct my steps and take care of me, but worry has entered my heart like a rushing river.

My friend Emily flew down to visit me for a few days this past week. During my whole time on STINT she had been trying to come down but for some reason God kept saying no. And this time God opened the doors wide and said yes. I am convinced that God´s timing is perfect. During her visit I began to process my departure. She was a great friend as she listened to my mixed emotions, my apprehensions, as I reminisced about my experience in Panama, etc. I guess my most dreaded question when I get home is ¨So what are you going to do next with your life?¨ Honestly, I don´t know. I´m in the midst of trying to figure that out. I am asking God for the answer as I pray, read his word and seek wise counsel.

This is what I do know. I love God. I want to live for him and serve him the rest of my days. I want to give him every area of my life. I know that I always want to be involved in ministry, whether it´s in a career capacity or as a volunteer is something I still need to discover. In the meantime as I continue to search and seek I am trying to hold onto truths. My campus team did an inductive Bible study on John 14 this week and a verse that I need to stand upon is the following:

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

Please pray that God would give me his peace, and that he would iluminate my next steps. Also, please pray that God would prepare my heart as I leave Panama soon. I really love my life here and my friends. It´s been a hard and challenging year but also a year of beautiful blessings. It´s going to be extremely difficult to say goodbye to what has been my life for almost a year. One afternoon Emily and I went to one of my favourite cafes here in Panama City called ¨New York Bagel Cafe¨ and she comforted me as I wept and grieved for the loss that I will be experiencing. I can already feel that life is changing with the missions trip taking place now. But I do know God is good and I know that change is a necessary part of life. I am excited for what´s to come and I know that whatever happens God will never leave me nor forsake me.

Thank you to all who have been reading my blog and newsletters this year, and to all who faithfully pray for me and the ministry here. I wouldn´t be where I am without you.

I love you all.

Raquel