Beautiful Feet: The Mission Begins

As I looked at the GPS on my personal screen, it started to sink in how ridiculous what I'm trying to do is. I realize that I am not the first college student to go overseas, but my situation is definitely unique. Many have gone, but most of them with a friend or mentor - someone who at least knows their way around the country. Others have chosen to go to a country that speaks their native language.

Like many missionaries who follow His call, I have none of these luxuries.

At first, this realization left me lonely. And though I'm sure I am bound to experience many other bouts of loneliness during my time here, this one was quelled by the inevitable excitement that comes from looking out of a plane window. As we crossed the Atlantic Ocean, we also hovered over an ocean of clouds. Earlier, on my flight from Pittsburgh to Philly, I was amazed by the beauty of the clouds beneath me. Now since night had fallen, I could no longer see them. But what I could see was the stars, and as I had never seen them before. Unencumbered by pollution or the clouds beneath, the stars were unveiled before me in their glory. The first thought that came to mind was - "I didn't know there even were that many stars!" My second thought was, "Who is this God?!" It was one of the most beautiful sights I've beheld in my life.

"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse." - Romans 1:20

After 3,886 miles of traveling, we safely arrived at Charles de Gaulle at 7:19 in the morning, (1:19 back home). There was some light snow, but nothing colder than I was used to.

And with that, I was in France. Not a soul in this country cares about me, not a soul in this country (that I know of) has ever met me. Just a few churches who know what I look like and are willing to let me serve and minister with them. What else could I ask for in terms of adventure?!

The mission begins, the journey continues...