Straight off the bat

No introduction, just going straight off the bat on this one :) :

So this last Sunday, as most years, the 3rd of October came round. And as most years this signalled the celebration of the day of my birth, shall be henceforth referred to as 'my birthday'.

It is my second birthday on the Missions field. My second birthday in Africa, and my second birthday with Mercy Ships.

For some reason it felt like a time to reflect. Reflect on where life has taken me so far, and where it is taking me next. But maybe it goes further that that, it is reflecting on where God has taken me so far, and where He is taking me next. Life doesn't just happen, God doesn't just happen, God is and leads.

I had expected to be working in a school in the Netherlands at this point, instead I find myself teaching in a school on a medical missions ship in West-Africa (ok, currently not on the ship but you get the idea) being supported by donations from friends, family and church... This whole experience has been such a turn around for me, perspective-wise. I still worry, worry if people back home will forget me, worry where home is, worry that the next donations won't be enough, worry that I don't know how to transition out of this environment. But at the same time I am learning to trust.

Not too long ago I read 'Ruthless Trust' by Brendan Manning. He makes a good point saying that Christianity isn't about faith. Faith is easy! It's about trust. Trust is difficult.

I am not there yet, I try to trust God but spend so much time worrying and/or trying to solve things myself. But God started me down this path and I fully intend to walk it until its completion.

Birthdays... each year a new insight, call it older and wiser (and slightly more senile..).

God bless,

Ben

PS Thanks everyone near and far that made my Birthday such a special day!