Some rumors have gone out. Here’s the true story of how AWESOME and FAITHFUL our loving God is…
Oct 4
I was in Serbia with two of my World Race teams. I received an email from my friend Claud with “prayer” in the subject line. Simply out, Claud and his wife Mary wanted to know how they could be praying for me on a deeper level. Seriously!? I replied quickly – Of course I wanted…and needed prayer. And especially from these two amazing people! They had recently moved back to Africa with their two Swazi daughters. This time they were scouting out a place to call home in Uganda.
*Long story short – met Claud and Mary Crosby at my first training camp with AIM the summer of 2002 before they were married. 2003 I went on a trip with Claud. Kept in touch, supported, and have prayed for them every since.*
Oct 5
Journal:
…Lord, what if You want me to go to Uganda? What would it be like for us if I really gave up everything?
Got an email back from Claud looking forward to some regular emails, prayer requests, and updates.
Talked with my good friend, Ellen, for an hour and a half. She had something to tell me about Africa too! We swapped stories. Mine about the Crosby family and Uganda. Hers about her church’s involvement with Hope Chest in…Uganda!
Oct 6
Taking a leap of faith from a gut feeling, I emailed Claud and Mary back asking them if I could live in community with them in Uganda for a time.
Talked with good friends and mentors of mine, the Patricks, for another hour and a half. Shared my heart and options seeking more prayer and peace about Uganda.
Oct 7
Received the exciting email from Claud:
In short we have had an interesting experience with the Lord this week, which I believe fits with what you have requested. A few nights ago I had a dream of a number of young people(westerners) sitting around a big dining room table and we were sharing about the voice of the Lord together. As I woke, knowing the dream was from God I began to pray and felt God telling me he was going to send others from other places around the world to come and live with us, some short and some longer term. I kept this to myself for the day. Then when I returned home at the end of the day Mary had been on the internet and told me she was searching for houses for rent in one of the cities we are considering living in. She could only find one house, but it was gorgeous, and had not only the main house, but also had three apartments on the same property. Even more interesting, it had just become available this week for rent, and also had some beds and a few piece of furniture that would remain in the house, one of which was a big dining room table with chairs, just like the one in my dream. SO we contacted the guy and he said it is indeed available and we plan to go and see the place later this week once we get our car sorted out. The price of the house and apartments is high for just us as a family, but very reasonable if we had some others joining us for a season, so we began to pray about if this was the place God had chosen and whom he might send. All that suffice to say we see God in all of this, and believe that you might be the first person of a number who come and share life and the Kingdom with us in community. So Mary and I are all for it and say come on!
Journal:
So much to be grateful for. You’re taking me to Uganda to be in community with Claud and Mary. Tell me when – let doors be opened, provide financially. Bring me strength to carry on with zealous love.
Oct 13
Details discussed.
(Before I left Serbia I had conversations with AIM and my parents. Flights, timing, and blessings from both were arranged. Tentatively planning on being in Uganda January-April.)
Oct 16
Journal:
…And what’s my mistake? What could I have done better? My heart started to grieve when I realized I have about $100 in the bank, $100 in my pocket…then about $20,000 in school/AIM debt…with an expected three months living in Africa to only spend $500-$800 per month. I HAVE NOTHING OF MY OWN!
Oct 20
Email from Claud about prices and dates for my hopeful arrival into Uganda in January.
Oct 22
Journal:
-Mom and Dad gave me $2000 for support. It made me cry. Ashley gave me $100 – touched my heart SO much that my good friend and single mom would do that. And Becky even gave me $50. You are AWESOME.
-Uganda is still the plan. Help me out, Lord. You are the “how”. Tell me specifics = when do You want me to be there? Speak softly and often.
Oct 23
Email from Claud:
…I wanted to share a little more personally where we are on things before we move too fast on you coming. My reason being we are wrestling to get settled. First of all know we deeply want you to be with us if possible and trust that if it is God it will happen…
All in the financial unknown. Keep praying.
Oct 30
Email from Claud:
…Hopefully this does not disturb your plans to much, but we have determined to limit this time in Uganda to an exploratory visit instead of planting our family here. There are a number of reasons for doing this that I can share at a later time, but wanted to communicate with you as soon as we knew so you can plan your year…
No Uganda for now. But LOTS of peace.
Nov 2
Journal:
Saturday I shared with them (the squad) how You closed the door for me to go to Uganda at this time. Sweet obedience. Claud emailed me on Friday sharing with me how it would be best for Mary. Thanks for loving me. It was good to share this with the squad.
When I shared my Uganda story with the entire squad in Bulgaria I was kinda hesitant. What would be the point. OK, God here we go. I had shared with everyone throughout the month how awesome God had been. How many impossible doors were opened. How excited I was for this seemingly impossible adventure. And God is faithful. Even though in the end the door was closed…for now…God is still my God. And when we say yes to Him we say yes! We keep our hands out and open and our God gives and takes away. ‘Cause He is God and we are not.
