My family has been laughing at me the last couple of months as I adjust to life back in the US. I am amazed I can just open a can of beans, heat it in the microwave, and eat them instantaneously. I think they get a kick out of how excited I am about some of the most ridiculous things.
Transition always seems to be a difficult thing. There's always the uncertainty of will this work out. Am I making the right decision? What's going to happen in the future? What happens if I make the wrong decision? It's hard to move forward with so many unknowns or so many different moving parts, knowing that these decisions impact so many other people.
I felt a lot of this uncertainty as I left the DRC. I plan on going back to the DRC for 2 more years, but what if something happens? What if I can’t go back? What will I do? As I do plan to go back, what will happen with the new organization I’m joining? Will they support me in the work I’m doing? Will the transition be easy? Another aspect is studying for my board exams. I practice medicine very differently than I would in the US. Will I remember the “right” thing to do by US standards so I can practice medicine and pass my board exams? What happens if I don’t?
There can be a lot of anxiety and worry during those moments of transition. And, I definitely have felt those emotions. But, I do have reassurance despite the circumstances and all the changes that I’m experiencing. One of the things that keeps coming to mind is a verse from Proverbs 16:9. It says, "In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." I know with certainty that God is guiding and directing me in this life, even though I often don't understand the route he's taking me. And, I know that if I come to him and talk with him, that he listens and cares about what’s going on. And, he does more, he offers peace.
Philippians 4 verses 6-7 say, 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
I have plans and I continue to move forward, making decisions and doing the work. But, even with the uncertainty of all the changes, I am confident that God loves me, he cares about what I am doing and how I’m feeling, and he offers me peace.
I hope that encourages you, too. I know a lot of you have shared about different struggles that you’ve been facing, moments of transition, problems in life. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with fear and anxiety, but God really thinks you matter and your life is important. You may not understand why you have to go through transition or difficulties, but he is with you and guiding you.
So, as I transition maybe I can share some information with you. I think I'm going to do it in a little bit different of a format because so many people have so many questions. I'll write out the questions and give the responses.
What have you been doing since you been home?
I have been travelling to see people, studying for my board exams, and sharing what I've been doing in the Congo with anyone who will listen (churches, medical groups, friends/family). I've also gone through the orientation process with the organization called Serge.
What is Serge? And why did you change organizations?
Serge is a Christian organization that focuses on community building and spreading the gospel. I joined this organization because my contract with Samaritan’s Purse finished and it was not renewable. I wanted to continue working at the hospital in Nyankunde, and Serge was willing to work with me where I was at. Here are some links that might help you find out some more information about what Serge is.
How long will you be home?
I am planning on taking my oral board exams at the end of October. My original plan was to go back at the end of this year. But, it looks as though I will be going back to the DRC in the beginning of 2018. I don’t have a fixed date.
What will you be doing while you're home?
I will visit as many people as I can, I will take my board exams (October 21st), and I will be working as an Obstetrician one week a month to help cover vacations. I will also need to raise full support in order to go back to the DRC.
Are you sure you don’t want to just stay in the US?
I definitely feel a “calling” from God (like the Blues Brothers) to live and work in Nyankunde. I am planning on going back for another 2-2.5 years and then re-evaluate. We’ll see at that point what the next step will be.
What can I do to help?
Pray.
Give.
How can I pray for you?
- Pray that I'll be diligent in studying for my board exams.
- Pray I will be prepared mentally, emotionally, and physically to go back to the DRC. And, that I get the rest that I need while I'm in the US.
- Pray that I can clearly share about the work that I've been doing and what I plan in the future.
- And, pray that I will find the resources in order to write a grant for contraception care in the DRC.
How can I give?
I currently need to raise money in order to go back to the Congo. As part of long-term missions, any money I receive will be from either individual donors like you or from churches.
So I am asking if you would consider supporting me by giving a monthly financial donation, so I can continue the work that I've been doing over the last two years. It is preferable if you give directly from your bank account through Electronic Fund Transfer.
By mail: Fill out the 2 attached forms and send them to the address listed.
What if I just want to give to you?
That is great too. You can either give me money or a check,
Those seem to be the big questions that everybody has for me. Please, let me know if you have any other questions.
I do want to say thank you to all of you for being with me on this journey. I really do feel that we are in this together even though we are in 2 different places. I'm thankful for all the prayer and encouragement and support that you guys have given me over the last years. It wouldn't be possible to continue doing what I do without people like you.
Much love
Michelle
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