There is so much to say, but I won't let myself get completely carried away or this will get really long and you'll stop reading!
In less than 7 weeks, I'll be stepping foot on African soil. That hasn't completely sunk in yet. However, it's becoming more real as I pack up my apartment...This Monday I'm leaving my live-in job at HOHC and will be moving in with my family for a few weeks until I leave the country.
Last night was our last dinner as a HOHC family. They surprised me by cooking one of my favorite meals (complete with my personal invention of Nutella crepes made in a quesadilla maker! :) and presenting me with some really meaningful gifts. The girls (and house mom) made a scrapbook for me, wrote me letters which were tear-jerkers! I'm so proud of our four teen moms for working hard to finish high school and not giving up when the pressure of life seems overwhelming. I will miss everyone dearly.
I'll end with some prayer needs. Thank you for your faithful prayers and for walking this journey with me. I certainly can't do it on my own!
The unknown
The unknown....I've always hated it. During particular seasons of my life, the unknown is quite daunting. This is one of those seasons. Yes, I know I'm hopping on a plane to Africa in a few weeks, but besides the fact that I'll be "doing Public Relations for Dwelling Places," I don't know much beyond that. And it's easy for me to let that cause me to fear and not trust God...
I opened My Utmost for His Highest this week and read one of my favorite pages. (I first heard this when Dr. Kelly shared it in class exactly three years ago. Thanks, Dr. K!) I hope it's encouraging to you as well. And please pray that I can find peace in Him and remember that He is good, and He'll lead me.
"Certainty is the mark of the common-sense life; gracious uncertainty is the mark of the spiritual life. To be certain of God means that we are uncertain in all our ways, we do not know what a day may bring forth...We are uncertain of the next step, but we are certain of God...Leave the whole thing to Him, it is gloriously uncertain how He will come in, but He will come. Remain loyal to Him."
-O.Chambers
Deepening my relationship with Christ:
Pray that I can get to know my Savior deeply over the next few weeks. That I will be disciplined to sit down and soak up His word...Satan knows my weaknesses. He knows that "busyness" makes me slack on my Bible time/prayer time. I have a TON of prep to do these next few weeks (paperwork, finding health insurance, shop, pack, more paperwork, fundraising, and the list goes on.) It's easy for me to get caught up in the checklist mentality: "I have to do this, this, and this as I prepare for Africa."
Financial update
This morning I calculated the funds that I have received so far and monthly pledges. I am giddy with excitement, because the Lord has provided approximately $10,190 so far! In the next six weeks, I need to raise $4,000. Thank you to everyone who is supporting me financially or prayerfully. I can't express what it means to me. People ask me, "How long will you be gone?" That's a question only God knows....initially I'm looking at 9 months, but if He wants me to stay longer, I will. This obviously also depends on funds.
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Also, feel free to browse my photography on Facebook, and if a print catches your eye, let me know. I am selling my photos and putting the money towards Uganda (you may especially love pictures from my Italy trip). $20 for an 8x10. $25 for a 10x13, etc. Please place your order in the next week or two.
