Amsterdam

All my life all I've ever wanted to do is travel. (It might have something to do with my parents naming me "Sojourner") And now God as provided me with an opportunity to serve him and see the world. Honestly, I'm quite shocked. 

Never did I imagine that I would be going to serve on a missions trip.  I was never interested in that kind of thing, but here I am on my to live in another country for 6 months all for God!


So how did it all start? Well, a couple of months ago. My co-worker Emma was telling me about how she used to live in Amsterdam and work at the Shelter Youth Hostel. Immediately, I was in. The thought that kept going through my mind was "This is what I want to be doing, should be doing."


At first, I was a little iffy. I had my plan. I was going to attend Paul Mitchell's school of Beauty in San Diego. I had toured the school and started the application process. I had all my ducks in a row. But, wham, here comes God, with his master plan. 


One month after hearing about Amsterdam I had applied, written my testimony (which by the way, is by far one of the hardest things I've ever had to do, but well worth it.), and sent in reference forms. 3 weeks later I received that amazing email:

Dear Eliza,

Thank you for your patience! I apologize that it took a bit longer to get all papers together and to come to a decision. But now that everything is complete, we want to thank you for your application, and the open way you shared your answers and your testimony with us. We sensed that you have a desire to live for Christ. and a willingness to learn and to grow.  We are happy to inform you that you have been accepted as a staff member at the Shelter Jordan for 6 months, from 1 January till 1 July 2010.

I don't think I stopped shaking for at least a week. 

So what exactly am I going to be doing in Amsterdam. Well, I'll be serving as a receptionist, waiter, cashier, and cook. Not all on the same day. Also, I'll be a student. While I'm over there I'm going be study apologetics, world religions, how to read the Bible, discipleship, modern culture and religion, as well as team-building, prayer, and outreach. Their mission statement is this:

Mission

1. To reach young people with the gospel by sharing heart to heart and to show the Lord Jesus Christ in the hostel.

2. To equip and train our volunteers for this purpose.

AHHH!!! I'm so excited I can't wait!

Blessings,
 ~ Eliza ~