clarification

Auckland Proper. Not my picture.

I know I wasn't very informative in my last post. If you care, you're probably wondering what "Hoi" and "That's all I have to say about that" mean, as a reflection of my feelings regarding grad school. Answer: I was overwhelmed. I had a million thoughts. I haven't been able to articulate, very well, my feelings and thoughts and expectations for the coming years recently.

But it's getting better.

Last week I met an incredible person whose acquaintance helped me immensely. This person left home at a very young age right after high school to accept a scholarship to a university in a very foreign country. This person did not speak the language of the country. This person did not understand their classes. This person missed their family and their home and their culture and their life. But this person put the proverbial shoulder to the wheel and carved out an incredible life. This person learned the language. This person succeeded in school. This person made friends and found a career and lived and laughed and loved and enjoyed, and they are a better person for it.

That's what I want to do.

Truth be told, I'm nervous. I tremor slightly thinking of a four year commitment across a wide sea from most of what I love, and I shed tears every time I think of moving away from this island. But, along with the knowledge I have that the Lord is in control of my life and is there guiding and directing me, the example of this person strengthens me a lot. I know that it will not be easy, but I am preparing for the challenges as best I can. And I also realize there is more to look forward to than the hard work. I mean, hello, I'm moving to New Zealand! I'm going to have access to and be able to see a part of the world that I've never fully experienced before. New places to visit, based on closer proximity: Australia, SE Asia, Japan, China, and India. There will be new food! And new people! And a larger YSA program than Maui has! Plus, when I graduate, you will all have the privilege of referring to me as Dr. Cook. Yep, that's right, I will have some new initials before and after my name, haha.

So, all in all, I am excited. I believe that life is to be lived, not just observed. I have been so blessed. I know that everything I have is from the Lord, not because I deserve it but maybe just because it's a test of trust. Will I do right with what I have? Will I use these opportunities to become the person He wants me to be? Will I be an influence for good on the people I will come into contact with? I want to. I hope to. I plan to. So, those are my thoughts, in case you were wondering. Also in case you were wondering, you are definitely invited to crash on my floor or couch or in my bathtub if there is no where else if you want to visit NZ sometime in the next four years. Anyone want to go to Thailand with me?

Doesn't that possibility just make you feel like rejoicing?