So, Capernwray's Board of Trustees met and determined they could actually accommodate more than 35 students - 60 to be exact! And out of the folks who had applied and were accepted throughout the application window, 60 of us had confirmed to the school that we were still interested. Which means, by the GRACE of God, I am headed to England September 18th. The roller coaster I have been on over the past months has paused. Trying now to catch my breath! To meet Covid-secure guidance they will split the group into two ‘bubbles’ of 30. After a 2-week quarantine (if within 6 weeks that’s something the U.K. requires upon arrival), each bubble of students won’t need to observe strict social distancing, but socially distance from students in the other bubble, and from all staff and voluntary workers during the term. This was something I had been reading about for how universities are seeking to adapt this year. I’m sure air hi-fives are going to be trending, you heard it here first ;)
As I have been transitioning all my belongings from one storage unit to another and unpacking my winter boxes that I had packed back in March (which I thought I'd unpack in Denver), I have been shaking my head in disbelief. "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps," Proverbs 16:9 (NIV). "You can make many plans, but the Lord's purpose will prevail," Proverbs 19:21 (NLT). Okay, I get it. I had other plans, northwest from Fort Worth, about 11+ hours away, but the Lord has been setting up my steps elsewhere for a season, and for a reason.
Last Sunday, I got to listen to an online sermon from Chuck Swindoll called "Long of Tooth - Strong in Faith" on Hebrews 11:8-16, a high-level overview of the life lived out in faith by Abraham and Sarah. Verse 8 in that chapter has been something I have meditated on a lot this year and it's featured on my homepage. He made a point that when we are led to move on, faith does not cling to what once was because faith risks. When we walk by faith (and not by sight), we gain what we cannot lose. And what I have gained thus far can only be described as a greater confidence in Jesus' ability to carry my burdens and provide in sweet, personal ways.
Thanks to all that had been praying with me, or shared a verse or song, all throughout last week! Little treasures.
Jessica
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