Oh the Places You'll Go!

For some reason the book by Dr. Seuss, "Oh the Places You'll Go!" is on my mind today. I remember this book when I was graduating from college and the pastor at my church read it out loud to all the graduates. It instilled in us a hope that our journey in life was just beginning.

“You're off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting,
So... get on your way!” 
― Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You'll Go!

 I'm traveling to Qatar today and my day has already been a bit hectic. I have to journey from South Carolina where my parents and siblings live to Maryland to get to the Dulles Airport. Right now I'm waiting for my flight to Maryland and I'm trying to pass the time by crocheting and saying prayers in the hope that the rest of my journey will be smoooooth sailing.

I still can't believe that I'm traveling to Qatar. Doha, Qatar to be exact. It seems so random to me but I'm convinced that God planned this trip way before time and it is just unfolding now. But still...Qatar?! When I think about this trip I'm about to embark upon, my mind goes to the story in the Bible concerning Abraham. In Genesis 12:1, God said to Abraham, "Go from your country, your people and your father's household to the land I will show you." And guess what? Abraham, illustrating great faith, just left his land and trusted God. That's amazing!

As for me, I won't lie. I had my moments of panic. I questioned God's direction. I was like, "God really? Doha? You sure?" This trip came very suddenly and before I knew it, I was packing all my things out of my auntie and uncle's house in MD the day after I graduated from business school and getting ready for a trip that I believe will undeniably change my life. Despite my whining and complaining, I had to realize that I had to trust God in this and that He is indeed working all things out for my good (Romans 8:28).

So yes, I'm excited for Qatar now! I'm excited for any opportunities that may come my way! I'm excited for whatever God has in store for me! I'm excited to see more of my great, big, African family! So in this excitement, I decided to do a little research of the place to which I'm going. I learned that Qatar is an Arab country located in Western Asia. Its official language is Arabic. It is the world's richest country per capita and has the highest human development in the Arab world. Its culture is influenced by Islam. Its climate is warm and as warm as it is (75 degrees F), I can't wear tank tops. There is so much more information to consider but I'll stop here.

I know that the culture is different than what I'm used to but I'm up for any challenge. I've always had a desire to travel to many countries and immerse myself in as many cultures as possible. I love how God made us all unique and different. I believe it's our differences that actually make us connect. It's all about appreciating the different perspectives and having an open mind. I can't wait to see how the people are like in Qatar and how their culture differs from mine.

I'll definitely keep you all in touch with the rest of my travel and my first impression of Doha, Qatar. I should be arriving there tomorrow evening.