When yes means a thousand no's

I've taken a bit of a break from blogging, but hopefully this post will end that hiatus. After reading over various post drafts that I started and never finished, here's the one I dusted off and finished to share with you:

One of my little friends.

On the harder, lonelier days I start thinking. Yes means a thousand no's. My "yes" to being here means I'm not a million other places, yet it's one of the best "yes's" that I've said.

I'm here.

Not home in Washington.

Not with family.

Not anywhere else but here.

And I have to trust that Gd put me here. Not there. And He's got the whole world in His hands.

I've got friends here who I enjoy spending time with.

I've got opportunities here which would look different elsewhere.

But most of all, I've got peace that this is where I'm supposed to be. And that's the most satisfying bit.

Last week a friend came to talk with me after class and share what was going on in her life. She's sick and has been for over a month. Her family and her husband's family have decided that she should take a clandestine boat to a nearby island for medical care. She's scared, doesn't want to go, but doesn't feel like she has a choice. I talked with her and prayed for her, now I'm waiting to hear that she's traveled and arrived safely (safe arrival isn't guaranteed).

Recently I was taking a taxi and a married couple was quizzing me on my (un)marital status. It easily segued into sharing the difference between the One I follow and the one they follow, complete with a story that I'd recently memorized from the Book. These are opportunities that I wouldn't have had if I wasn't here.

 So at the end of the day I'm grateful. Grateful for this "yes." Grateful to the One to whom I look. Grateful for the journey I'm on and how He's at work in and through me.