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| Katie (Left) in transit with her friend Mary (Right) |
Prior to Urbana, I hadn't even considered VUP as a possibility. I found it an intriguing opportunity that would be great for others and a small potential that probably would never come about for myself in future years. I had plan, a two year plan to graduate as soon as I was able. Funnily enough, I have been making these semester by semester plans since moving out to Vancouver with God changing my plans for the better every single semester. It’s a lesson I've been constantly learning, but also constantly grateful for, because upon reflection, I can see the good that has come about. This summer’s plan was to find a co-op to be able to find a thesis supervisor so that I can begin my Honour’s thesis as soon as possible. The cascade of these events left no room for adjustment without having to extend my undergraduate career by another semester.
However, I felt convicted at Urbana of my unwillingness to release control over the coming summer. On the night of the prayer for the persecuted church, I could hear God’s voice saying “Will you not go?” It was not a voice of accusation nor was it demanding, but simply clear and full of authority. While I realize the proper response would've been to courageously and whole-heartedly say yes, my response was to meekly and hesitantly say “I will go”. My initial thoughts were to find an international missions trip; I had even attempted to find a bio-medically related co-op in short term missions, futilely trying to salvage my own plans while obeying God’s. Through some emails and discussions, those doors seemed to be continually shut and there were questions of “okay God, where am I supposed to go? I heard this call, but I don’t know where. Will you lead me?”
I recall seeing a gentleman at Production Way and to my shame, I had passed him a few times before without stopping. I felt God tugging at my heart strings again and I recalled the passage of the sheep and goats where the goats did not realize that they simply walked past the one whom they call Lord. I decided to approach him one day and to hear his story. Listening, praying, a gift of a coffee seemed so very small and I couldn't help but wonder once again “isn't there something more that I can do?”
Fast forward a few days later, I had one of my one-to-one meetings with Justin where he brought up VUP again. He looked me straight in the eyes and genuinely said “I think VUP would be really good for you”. After our discussion and learning more about VUP, it was time for intercessory prayer and we happened to move from our usual area in the Undergrounds to the West Mall Centre. After prayer had ended, we happened to bump into Anika who had previously to VUP before. The quote “coincidences are God’s way of remaining anonymous” comes to mind and the three of us realized that this was no simple coincidence. It was a beautiful opportunity to connect, to share about how God has worked in our lives in the past, and to pray for one another.
Through further prayer and discernment, I believe that God may be leading me to take part in VUP in order to broaden my understanding of community. Although all the other details of my summer are uncertain, I know that He already knows on how it will all work out. Knowing that He is a loving father that is in control, it brings a level of peace because His plans are good.
