Parting thoughts
Published by Heidi Miller February 24th, 2006 in Torino 2006Friday, February 24, 2006
| One thing I’m learning on this trip is the awesomeness of our great God. The things I’ve seen, the history I’ve had the chance to reflect on, and the beauty of this place overwhelmes me at various times during the day as I begin to grasp the magnitutde of who God is and how he has worked in people’s lives throughout the centuries. To think the same God who St. Peter died for is the same God who works in my life today, and the same God who created these mountain majesties with a sweep of his hand. It’s overwhelming at times. One of my favorite times are when we have early calls and we are in the bus, driving up the mountain. It’s so neat to look over the valleys and see the little lights in the villages below. It is usually just light enough to see the snowy mountains all around us, and it’s so peaceful (usually because everyone on the bus is sleeping). I put on my ipod and reflect on how awesome this experience has been, and how much God is working in my life. The other day, as we were going down the mountians, the sun was just beginning to set. It was very bright, with steep shadows in the valleys, and as I looked down, I could see clouds below us, hovering over the little houses down there, and glistening with the bright sunshine. It was more than breathtaking. It’s hard to take pictures here, because I just know they will never tell the story of what I am really experiencing, and how overwhelmingly beautiful these mountains are. We serve an amazing God. I cannot help but wonder how you can doubt his existence in moments like that one, where everything is just too perfect, too beautiful, to acclaim to anything other than a God who loves us so dearly.
On a different note, tomorrow is our last competition day! As the games are coming to a close, I find myself so excited to go home again, to see Daniel, and to just be in a familiar, comfortable place again. And yet, my heart is so sad. It is difficult to think of leaving these people who need the Lord so desperately. Some of the conversations and relationships I’ve formed in these 2 short weeks have astounded me. I want so badly for these people to experience life in a greater way…in God’s way. It will be hard to say goodbye. My prayer is that I would be able to stay in touch with some of them. I know seeds have definitely been planted in some of them and it’s such a blessing to have other Asburians around me who are also investing into the same people. Watching them progress, and ask questions, well, it’s an exciting thing. I know the Lord has started a work here in some of these people…and I just have to believe he will be faithful to bring that work to completion! It is sad to leave this mission field, but I know that the Lord knew from the beginning when I would return to Asbury, and that I will not be leaving his “mission field” for me by returning home. There are always people all around me who I can touch in His name…they just seem so much more abundant around these areas! Anyhow, that’s all I’ve got for now. Pray for the students who will still be here for another week or so. It is hard to be strong when everyone familiar leaves, and when you don’t have that support to run to anymore. The times we’ve had after work is over have been amazing. We stay up late sometimes, watch movies, talk about our days, and just have a really good time getting to know each other. The memories have been plentiful and I am so thankful for having had the chance to come to this Olympics. Can I challenge you all today, to pray for someone who desperately needs Him. And not just a “God, show your face to this person” but a real, heartfelt, passionate prayer for their hearts. May we not forget how much the Lord has done for us! |