BiH 2005

Having fun at Novimost Klub.

"A leap of faith"

"You gain strength, courage; and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing you think you cannot do."

- ELEANOR ROOSEVELT

The journey has begun...well, actually - come to think about it, it started 8 years ago when I first put my feet on Bosnian soil. I remember my first day, driving through the border on our way to Mostar. As we entered the city, I was deeply touched. Wherever you looked, you could see broken buildings, bullet ridden walls. I remember listening to Louis Brittz's song "I hang my hat"...a song about Bosnia with the end of the chorus saying..."thinking of Jesus I hang my hat and stay". I never knew that at the end of 2 and a half months my own heart and soul would cry out - "Jesus, I want to stay".

After our first mission trip in 2002, I was fortunate to be able to return another 3 times. Needless to say, my love and passion for the country and people have grown stronger and stronger over the years. Sometimes I wonder and ask myself - is it just me? Where does this desire/passion come from? But time and again I'm reminded of the fact that God is the Author of our lives. He place certain desires and passions in our heart and as we heed His voice, His plans and purposes unfolds. All I need to do is be obedient...and trust Him. But trusting Him is not always easy. We often question His leading because of fear...the fear to fail. And that is where I was at the end of last year. I finished Bible College and was thinking about the future. I knew that going back to Bosnia longterm had been my dream for so long (and also one of the reasons I went to Bible College - to be better equip for the work of the ministry), and yet I was afraid. I was looking for obstacles instead of opportunities.

I eventually decided to submit my application for longterm mission work in BiH through the organization "Novi Most International" (the same Organization I worked through on my previous mission trips to BiH). After the December holidays returning to work, I was thinking about the application. I was thinking about what would my boss say and what about my accomodation and how will I support myself. I also thought...is this the right time? Shouldn't I wait a bit longer...save some money first etc.etc. Through the encouragement of my flatmate and also a message in church from Ps.Moso Sono, I finally decided that this is it - I need to decide. Either I pursue my dream 100% or I don't do it at all. It's pointless to face the future if you're constantly holding on to the past. As my flatmate reminded me - "what do I have to lose? If I try and not succeed, at least I know I've tried. I won't have to look back in 20 years time and think..what if I had pursued my dream? What could have happened..?

Well, cutting a long story short, I made the decision to "go for it" ! I spoke to my boss (who to my surprise was very supporting) and submitted all the necessary references. About two weeks ago, I received confirmation from the organization that I've been accepted and will be heading to Bosnia early October (after pre-mission training in the UK mid September). To say that I am excited, would be an understatement. I am ecstatic!!!!

A lot lies ahead for the next 6 months....visa application, travel arrangements, fundraising etc. - but, will keep you updated. Somehow, I hope that my story will encourage others who have been holding back on their dreams, to also take a "leap of faith". As Eleanor Roosevelt said - "You must do the thing you think you cannot do"...lets go for it...let's try. Life is to short to live with regrets.

L xx