That's pretty much the question I was asking when I felt like God was calling me to go to Africa. For a year. A whole year away from home. Sure, I'd be gone either way-whether I went to Africa or college. But college is different. College can have all the comforts of home-running water, the blessing of being able to drink tap water if you'd like, being able to flush toilets, having a toilet, great meals whenever I want...you get my point. But Africa? Not so much. It's on the complete opposite side of the world, far, far away from my family, friends, boyfriend...everything I've known my whole life. For 9 months. Crazy? Yup!

But as I was reading through the book of Esther this week, a verse that probably a lot of people have heard before just jumped out at me and spoke to me. Mordecai is talking to Esther and telling her that she needs to talk to the king and tell him to save her people. He tells her that God has given her this position of authority and influence for a reason, and he says to her, "And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" For such a time as this. This is my time, the time of my life that God is calling me into a position that's hard, tough, and at some points downright scary. But God accomplished great things through Esther, and through many people all throughout the Bible, because they had faith. So I hope that you'll follow me on my journey of faith, because this is where God wants me, it's where He's calling me. And He will accomplish great things over the next year, I have no doubt. :)