A few days ago, I had a conversation with a Peace Corps regional recruiter where she asked me a series of follow-up questions regarding my interested in the PC. I was really nervous during the conversation, mostly because I feel like I don't want to screw anything up this time around. That's not to say what happened last time was within my control, but I still have been extra vigilant this go around. She clarified many of my responses I had at the interview last Friday, and I chose my words carefully. Since the PC is a governmental organization, they have to be sure you don't have any crazy radical views or for instance, you are going to make it your mission to convert the entire world through your PC experience. I have a strong belief system, but don't feel that throug my service in the PC, it's my main purpose to "win people for Christ." I believe if I live out my faith, practice the Golden Rule, and seek God's will, He will be glorified in the work I do.
In the meantime, I have been reading over several blogs of PC volunteers at all stages: applicants, nominees, those getting ready to leave, those serving, and returned PC volunteers. I have found many interesting anecdotes along the way. Right now I'm leaving it up to God to guide where I'm supposed to end up.
As I was out to breakfast this morning with a friend of mine, who similarly has an itnerest in traveling & serving abroad, we were exploring how divine it is that God has worked things out for each of us. I'm constantly amazed by what surprises & detours I'm led to along the way. Soon enough, though, I find they weren't detours at all, but all intended to be. This past week, my church had a guest speaker come to speak three nights on Holy Spirit and the last night he spoke, he taught specifically on prayer and intercession. He explained it so simply & so true. He explained that often we ask for things, with an idea that that is what we need & want. The H.S. comes in and intercesses, or "translates" to God, telling him, well, she's asking for this, but what she really means is.... I really believe this is how it works. He talked about recentering, focusing on what God's will, rather than my will. Though I've heard all this before, it struck me in a new way this week. Maybe the repetition of the two nights learning about the H.S. helps to make an indellible mark on me. If you want to hear the sermon, they'll be posting it soon at this site.