Rolling down the Aden Blacktop to pick up my elephant bank from the church.And that's when it hit me. I'm leaving this country road, well this country altogether. It began to ache. Now I knew that this was inevitable, I would surely come to grips with the fact that I would be setting out and leaving things behind here. Little did I know this would come the evening before my Benefit Dinner.
I was riding with Ryne (my boyfriend) and I sat in silence; memories & things of the past continued to flow in my mind. I honestly couldn't wait to rush in our church doors. Upon finally fighting tears long enough to unlock the glass doors, I continued through the sanctuary where Ryne found me praying, sobbing.
I would like to say this is all because of you here that I will miss so deeply, that I cannot stand the thought of us being apart for several months. Indeed I will miss you, but I hurt for the people who have not heard. We are so caught up with "churchiness" and being "outwardly God fearing, God seeking" that too many Christians are losing the real sight of what we need to be doing. There are people who are going to Hell. The worship false gods or themselves. America has no more stars now we call them idols. I want to help rescue the world. I feel so humble to be allowed to have God grant me this gift of a lifetime.
There are SO many people over there, God has to help guide me and our team because I want him to be glorified through everything. I never want to be seen in all of this. Week, after week, after week...God is blowing my mind. Here is a tidbit of what he has provided in the last few weeks:
Prior to the benefit dinner I was shy nearly $800 for what I owed the mission organization. My church is full of amazing people, they truly are my church FAMILY. They hosted a pork chop dinner & we had a great evening of silent and live auction events throughout the night. After we cleaned up we were able to count the funds raised and I praise God and he took my breath away as he provided over $4000.00! I am crying again just thanking Him for his massive blessings on this trip! After the 5K he provided another $1000.00! I am now in a position to where I can help bless other people, there are a few in my life who are hurting and need Gods love handed out, I joyfully want to give and help others the way that God has spoken to the hearts of so many around here. The remainder of the funds I am accumulating are going to be able to get me through the next phase of this journey: preperation.
The fundraising events are over now, and here comes the fun part...the countdown to departure. Its coming quickly and I have to shift my mindset to immunizations, sandals, backpacks, and first aid items. I am so thankful for the generous support because now these items will be able to be purchased without any worry at all. God you are so mighty!
Thank you also for providing me the man that you have. I thank you so much for Ryne and for the anchor he is. This will be difficult being separated for such an amount as we will, but your plan is perfect. I was at the point to where I didn't need anyone right now. I was content and wanted to serve you alone, but you had another plan. I can't believe that someone is willing to serve you beside me from the other side of the globe. Strengthen our love for you as we seek your guidance in this uncharted water.
God strengthen our family, we are being tossed about right now. You are right here, help us to remember that through the heartache of the summer. This may not have been the way we pictured things to pan out. But you should be magnified in my life, help me to live that way continuously. Help the hearts of people in South Asia be broken for you.
Guide Suheily (my missions partner) and I in love and understanding. Strengthen us beyond what we think we can stand. Mold us now. Stretch us. Bind our hearts to the people we get to serve beside and too. I thank you so much for her Lord! We are trusting in you. And its the best place to be leaning!
You are worthy of ALL praise, thank you is too small a word, so let me thank you with my life, always!
Missions total: $8,116.33 ...............GOD IS AWESOME!
