In preparing for our venture to Ethiopia, I have been asked over and over again how I’m feeing about the trip. The truth? I’ve been conflicted and feel as if I am caught between two worlds. On one hand, I know what traveling to Ethiopia holds. It’s my Kingdom Come. It’s where I feel the tangible presence of the Lord and His love. On the other hand, I am comfortable at home because I am in control of everything. I’m in control of my marathon training, my grad school courses, my daily rhythms with my two-year-old and husband. So when people ask if I’m ready, my answer is, “No, absolutely not.” Why? Because I’m caught between two worlds. I’m caught between the comfortable, idle life I live in the bubble of Bozeman, Montana and going to Ethiopia disrupts that. I lose control, and I immediately feel uncomfortable. This is so so good. 

There’s a song by Hillsong UNITED called “Ready or Not”. The song repetitively asks, “Are you Ready or Not?” Not only does the repetition of that question force me to sit with it, but it helps me realize that God will do His work whether I’m ready or not. “Take your time, if nothing else, just come/Are you ready?/Come now, bring your hopes/Your dreams, your doubts/Your scars…There’s no place like His presence/There’s no time like the now.” I have been listening to this on repeat, holding fast and faithful that there’s no time like the now; there’s not place like His presence. So here I am, taking my time and trusting that He will do His work with the kids at Elevate Orphan and in me…ready or not.

– Jourdan