I had hoped today I'd have some definitive news to share. For the time being, I do not. We were recently sent an email that outlined a quarantine plan (if the U.K. government still requires one of travelers from certain countries) for arrival and if someone in the program happened to show signs of Covid-19 or actually tested positive. In order to make that happen, they were having to reduce the number of people who can attend the program from 106 to 35. Cue Lloyd Christmas, "So you're telling me there's a chance!" Up until yesterday, I believed that chance was 33%. All of us were asked to respond if we were still IN or OUT by this past Tuesday, after reading their five-page PDF of new procedures and tentative plan. I appreciated the detail and thoughtfulness they put into laying all of this out. I could imagine how disappointing it's been for the faculty to have to make these drastic decisions. Still, with no hesitation, I emailed that I was IN. There's no turning back now! On Tuesday, the principal, dean of students, and school administrator held a Zoom meeting for those that still had questions before making their decision. I was unable to participate, but did get a hold of some notes. Since they first emailed us of their revised plan, there now looks to be a bit more flexibility with the number of spots they can offer. Yesterday they were scheduled to have a board meeting to finalize the maximum number of students they can safely accept in the course. Once that decision is made, they will be confirming with everyone who has informed them they still want to come whether or not they can finally offer us a place. This is to happen on or before Tuesday, August 11th. (Sigh)
Ever find yourself having part of a song or melody pop into your head when you're feeling down? Or someone email/text you something that they had no idea you needed to read and be reminded of? Both happened within minutes of receiving Capernwray's initial email. First, the melody of the chorus "Unstoppable God" by Elevation Worship flooded my mind, but I only remembered a few words here and there. After some SOS texts, I got to the bottom of it. The chorus is, "Unstoppable God, let your glory go on and on. Impossible things in Your name, they shall be done." It’s been on repeat in my head. And four minutes after Capernwray emailed us, another email came in my inbox from a student ministry friend with the most beautiful prayer and Psalm 121 typed out. You could imagine the comfort I felt simply reading verse 1, "I lift up my eyes to the hills, where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." (NIV) Stop everything you are doing right now and go read this psalm of ascent. The Lord loves to speak to His children and for me, He did it through music and a friend's email. I hope it speaks to you, as well!
My knee jerk reaction often is to try to prove or show someone I'm worthy of something. Anyone else relate? No interviewing for a spot, or trying to network my way into the school. They have never met me and only know what I put in my application back in May. I certainly can't overrule the U.K. government's rules. And I can't even say "my hands are tied" because I have no hand in what happens next. It all rests in the Lord's hands - and when has it not? "Whenever the cloud lifted from over the sacred tent, the people of Israel would break camp and follow it. And wherever the cloud settled, the people of Israel would set up camp. In this way, they traveled and camped at the Lord's command wherever He told them to go. Then they remained in their camp as long as the cloud stayed over the Tabernacle," Numbers 9:17-18 (NLT). For today, I am encamped in a canvas tent, watching and waiting for wherever the Shekinah glory cloud is going to head next.
Thanks for trekking along with me!