a letter to the elizabeth of 2009

Friday, December 19, 2008 / Comments (2) / by elizabeth

dear elizabeth of 2009,

remember this. remember the anticipation you wake with every morning. remember how you have to tell yourself, "youcandoit...5 more days [of work], 4 more days, 3 more days. youcandoit." then you go home for a week. then africa.

...africa. the word even sounds different to you now. it rolls off your tongue gently, with the knowledge that you'll be there soon. it swirls in your brain multiple times a day. it is a word that - for now - represents waiting, planning, a culmination of faith, big visions coming into fruition. it will sound different to you in january when you are there, and it is a word that will represent hope and joy and change for the rest of your life.

remember the lists you make as if you can really prepare yourself for this. remember the multiple phone calls with your partner in all things adventurous about the millions of small details that you get to take care of. remember the way you started packing 3 weeks before you leave, because you are just that excited.

remember the people who contributed their time, money, and prayers to make this happen. remember the first check you got in july from someone who believes in you - before you even bought your plane ticket . remember the girl who met you, heard about your trip, and wrote you a check all within 15 minutes because she has a heart for orphans. remember how you got a check in the mail from family friend, and the next day your sister - in - law asked if you could find people to help her pay for the shoes she found wholesale. remember how every child you meet in africa will have a pair of shoes because of a check and a phone call. remember the little girl who is already wearing her red wristband and prays for your safety [from wasps and bees!] every night. remember the sweet woman from church who doesn't know you very well but still handed you cash in an envelope, and remember your friend from church who dropped a check in the mail just this week and is now paying for your expenses in country. remember there are more stories than you can even begin write down.

most of all, remember the One who made you for this. who chose you for this. remember that He designed you . remember that He has given you everything you need. remember that He deserves ALL of the credit, ALL of the glory, ALL of the fame. remember that He loves you and that sumission to authority=a lifetime of mind blowing adventures.

love,
elizabeth of 2008

2 comments:

el @ December 20, 2008 at 11:08 PM

remember the 12 days til africa and sing it every Christmas for life!

Unknown @ December 21, 2008 at 8:53 PM

you are amazing! i'm lucky to know you.