Kind of Cheesy, But I Believe It’s True:

As I walked into the Amsterdam Cheese Museum, my senses were blasted by the smells and visual presentation of about fifteen different types of cheese scattered along the walls, tables, and counter tops of this small shop. A certain mustard shaded yellow cheese that had been aged for six years caught my eye and as I tasted it, I found it more delicious than I could have even imagined. The pieces were broken off in small and large chunks to be taken as teasers. I normally try to prefer someone else to what is the larger portion, but in this instance I was going big, because I was not going home. (If you didn’t get that joke, don’t worry. It wasn’t very funny). After trying a few more, I decided on a brick about the size of a piece of pie. I thought to myself, I’m in Amsterdam and may never get the chance again to grab Dutch cheese that has been aged for six years and then cut right here in its place of birth and maturation. Plus, I thought again, this will be a great little snack for Sudan, and if I take it easy, it should last me a while. 

Fast forward a few days, now to the night before I leave Entebbe, and as I was packing, I picked up the cheese and immediately thought of Charles, the man who manages the guesthouse I am staying at. The thought crossed my mind, he has been so accommodating, and I bet he would appreciate this much more than I will. I immediately took the short stroll up to the main building, paper bag in hand, feeling a little strange for doing this, but found Charles and said, Do you like cheese? He laughed and replied in an outstanding accent I wish I could replicate, “Did someone on the staff tell you this? How did you know? I love cheese!” We both smiled and laughed and I said, like you told me earlier, “May God lead the way,” and I believe that He did; He knows what we need before we even ask. He gave me a big hug, said goodnight, and as we walked off and parted ways, he said, “I’m going to savor every part of this, Josh.”

As I write this, my prayer for all of us is that we will allow God to lead the way. As we feel the tug on our heart to share whatever it is, whether it be our time or a smile, a glass of water or a block of cheese. May we give with open and loving hands, just as our Father has so wonderfully given to us.

Overwhelmed.

I started this most recent part of my journey, two months ago, with the feeling of being completely overwhelmed. The overwhelming feeling wasn't one that brought fear or angst, but joy and peace. As I began to pack my bags I found a new overwhelming joy, I was brought to tears with the thoughts of those who have played such a vital role in my life; those who have kept me focused on what I sometimes forget is important; they reminded me of the truth inside me, the things I deeply desired. 

I find myself overwhelmed at the support of friends who not only ask how they can pray for my time in Sudan, but who also gave and partnered with me financially so that I am able to go and serve and be a part of the lives of these beautiful people who have had their country and their lives tumultuously torn apart. 

I find myself overwhelmed with the grace that God has given me to see Him in the midst of everything swirling. I see the face of Jesus inviting me into a depth with Him that has cast out all fear and need for control. 

I find myself overwhelmed with hope of what will come in my life and in the lives of those I will soon meet and have the privilege to work with. 

I find myself overwhelmed with the depth of understanding that there is a hope that rules over every evil and every trial, and it comes through the transforming love of Jesus; Emmanuel: God with us, God among us, God in Wichita, and God in South Sudan.

And now, I must pack... 

But, here's an 11 minute and 13 second video for you to see where and what I'll be involved with.

https://vimeo.com/74112271