I'm sorry for this long time not writing in this blog!
I'm really passionate about writing! You can see more experiences I've shared and words from God in my personal blog (vivibuzzo.blogspot.com).
But this blog has another intention: Talking about the Christian exchange experience!!
I've been here in Sydney for 7 months now! It has happened so many things already to share.
Many people struggle with the decision whether or not to live this experience, they think of missing home, missing friends, missing people that you loved, and they loved you back...and you are taking a risk when leaving all behind to find new people that will be your family abroad...or maybe not finding anyone...
On the other hand, many people of my own circle of friendship or church back in Brazil have another idea. That living abroad is VERY good and that you are ALWAYS happy meeting different places and people. Maybe they even think this is so awesome that we don't even think of going back...that we have found a paradise and are enjoying its fullness without never crying or feeling down.
What a lie! Who has already lived this experience can afirm this with me! It is so great to live abroad, what you learn and grow is immeasurable and worth it for sure. But if you want to live this experience of LIVING abroad, be aware that you are going to shed many tears, feel intense loneliness and insecurity, feel lost in the world and far from everyone that could save you. You are going to suffer the separation of friends that you just made in a few weeks, and that you felt it was going to be forever, but all of a sudden they are gone...
There is the possibility of losing them forever as well...and just having the pictures and the memories...that sometimes will make you cry again...
I dont wish that when you finish reading this you are caught with the feeling of fear or thinking of giving up...because of what I just told you are going to face...Instead, I want you to open up your eyes and ears for what is going to happen inside of you...and for the GREATNESS of God in teaching and leading you through each step of this experience...You are going to see and feel God in a different way...as the Potter of your life...Read Jeremiah 18 to understand it better.
He does this in us when we are far from everyone else that "offered" us a protection. And it is so necessary to forsake everything in order to bring glory to Him...
He is totally faithful to fulfill our needs and to heal our wounds made in this process. He doesnt choose everyone. If you are willing, He chooses you! If God is bringing an opportunity like that to your mind, please answer YES to Him! Yes to His plan for your life!
As I read in a book yesterday, please pay attention to these words:
"It is fear that keeps from changing the world. It is fear that keeps our mouths shut when we know we need to speak. It is fear that keeps us sitting when we know we need to stand. And it is fear that keeps us from giving everything when we wonder if we will ever get it back. We fear what might happen, we fear what might not happen, we fear what people think, and even fear what we think. We are locked withing a cage of trepidation, but our Prince provides us with the key that finally frees us from the tyranny of social approval, the despotism of evil foreboding, and the dictatorship of insecurity - He provides us with Himself.
[...]
As set-apart ones, our sole passion in every moment of every day is delightning in our Prince. The moon could turn to blood and the mountains could crumble into the sea, but nothing can separate us from the One who loves us. The world may fear, but we always rest in the knowledge that even our death is a doorway into His presence."
Book: Authentic Beauty - -Leslie Ludy - page 213 - Editor: Multnomah Books 2007.
So, be encouraged!!!
Let this fire start burning in your heart!! Leave all you love and consider important behind!
You're gonna be overwhelmed by how much you are going to grow!!
God and the World is waiting!!
Love,
Vivi Buzzo
CESE Australia Intern.
