Robyn.Bowles.es

Today I was asked, “So what do you think you will do when you return from Spain?” Actually, I’ve been asked this question several times, but for some reason, his morning I started thinking about it more seriously. I’m one who has always had a “5-year plan”. Graduate, get a job, get married, buy a house, have kids, fight against and then submit to the need for a mini-van, etc. That was probably my plan when I was 21. Other than graduating, and getting a job, none of the other plans happened in the following 5 years.

So when I was asked today, my response was as it has typically has been lately, “I don’t know, a year ago I had no idea that I would be moving to Spain, I’ll just have to see …”

Then I went to the Farmer’s Market and met a woman who had a booth selling crafts made of African fabric and beads, the profits of which go to support AIDS orphans and widows in Africa. I was reminded of the incredible needs there in Africa. I reflected on that a little bit more and even felt like I should attend their potluck in a few weeks to learn more. I recalled what I had read on goabroad.com the other day about an opportunity to spend time working in an AIDS orphanage.

Then I thought about this whole moving process and all the *stuff* we have to sell and how tied we often get to our stuff. I’m thankful that we did not buy a house as we had been seeking to do last fall. As I drive around and see the “For Sale” signs on the front lawns I wonder how long the people have been waiting to sell their homes, and how much their lives are on hold waiting for the house to sell before they can move on to the next thing. I know the anxiety I’ve been feeling just trying to get a tenant to take over our lease for 3 months – fortunately, our plans are not contingent upon that happening – much less than if we’d be trying to sell a house.

My thoughts went back to the goabroad.com site, as it has helped me become so aware of all the awesome opportunities and experiences there are to be had in the world. All the beautiful diversity our Creator has created, and what a shame if I miss opportunities to experience as much as I can.

So, maybe the 5 – year plan is to keep exploring and experiencing and doing. . . to come back home every year or so before the next big adventure to see friends and family, and sell the remaining stuff we’re presently not ready to give up. It may not be the case either. I’m sure it would be very difficult to leave friends and family so often . . . God only knows, truly.

I do know this: I love to travel, explore and experience; I’m too uptight; I don’t always like to do things the conventional way; and there is a world out there that is so much bigger, and broader, and hurting than I can possibly fathom sitting here in my midwestern home – and God has called us to be light, to be love and to care for orphans and widows.

« Why Spain?     Small World »