You wouldn’t believe the amount of “stuff” I have accumulated in my classroom over the past ten years. Figuring out just what I’m going to do with it all while I’m away is another issue. After deciding to keep a third, sell some, and give the rest away, a coworker and dear friend of mine suggested I make some cash for my trip by selling old teaching materials and classroom library books to a local used bookstore. Monday evening I met some friends there and we sold my books. Guesstimating I’d get $30 for the 3 boxes, I was astounded to receive the news… $168! Praise the Lord!!! I couldn’t believe it! (Well let’s get real, I know who’s in charge and shouldn’t have been so shocked 😉
With 7 containers of books the following night, I would double my earnings toward the World Race for sure! The new receipts totaled a measly $9.28. Turns out the gentleman selecting books Tuesday wasn’t as interested. Six out of the 7 crates were returned. Feeling disappointed and a little embarrassed, my friend and I boxed up the unwanted books to take home. During this time I struck up a conversation with the woman in line behind me. I shared why I was selling so many of my things, she asked me a couple of questions, wished me well, and went on her way.
Reloading the boxes into my 2002 Honda Civic (I hadn’t planned on listing until after school let out)the woman from the bookstore asked if I was selling my car. I told her I was and she said she might be interested. “Please don’t post it until I talk with my daughter,” then asked for my name. When I responded Amie, she put her head down. “Is your name Amy too?” I asked. She shook her head yes!
Amy and I chatted in that parking lot for a good ten minutes. We talked about life, missions, church, and family, exchanged information, and set up a meeting the very next day. Wednesday evening we met at a ball field. Her daughter loved the car, asked for the selling price, and after prayer and a good night’s sleep, decided it’s a deal!
God is so good! Had I sold all my books that night, I would not have had to repack them. I never would have met Amy or her daughter, and would have one more thing to try figure out in preparation for this great adventure. There is soooo much more to this story, but this is just another snapshot of how God truly is in the details!
