I have 21 days left before I leave American soil. How did this happen so fast? Time has vanished. I kept thinking I would have all this time in September to wrap things up, and HELLO, September’s already here!
I have 21 days left to delight in those glorious hot showers, morning cups of brewed coffee, my independence, the comforts of my bed, chillaxing in the A/C, steady income, fresh vegetables, Colby-jack cheese, the gym, coming “home”, having any and everything when I need it, the comfort of “escaping” when I need to, and the freedom to set my own schedule.
I also have 21 days left to spend time with and love on my family and friends before I have to say some very hard goodbyes (or rather, see-ya-laters). This will be the toughest part. God has surrounded me with an amazing community through my church, Frontline – those friends have become my family over the years. My amazing small group, the Spain Posse, my Family Night peeps, the Stonewall Palace homeslices, my boos, and so many more who have made my life richer. I LOVE YOU! And will miss you terribly! But, there’s always Skype ☺
And as I say my goodbyes, I’m also trying to get to know my new family, my team Aletheia, through weekly conference calls and emails.
The next 15 days will be consumed with wrapping things up in Virginia and saying goodbye to friends before I leave to spend 1 week with my family in upstate NY before I fly off to meet the World Race team in L.A. on September 27th. God has been so faithful in providing for me and confirming through those provisions these last few months, that He wants me on the Race.
I have to stop right now and list my Ebenezer, or Stones of Remembrance, so I can remember God’s faithfulness… and show you just how detailed God is!
- I’ve been living with 3 other fabulous roommates – one of which has been for 8 years! We’ve become family in many ways and so I prayed God would provide the girls someone we all know and love, to move in and take over my lease. And God provided a good friend to all my roommies to move in! So I’ll be packing up my life into boxes and driving it to NY with me to store at my families house.
- I also prayed God would provide someone, specifically a missionary on furlough or someone of great need, who I could bless with my car for the year that I’m gone. Last week he provided two people who need a car at specific times next year! My missionary friend who’s on furlough from Spain, and a family dedicated to youth ministry.
- I prayed for a smooth transition out of my job of almost 10 yrs, finding my replacement, and to finish well. God provided a miracle there too!
- God has also been preparing my heart and speaking to me and challenging me to listen to him more. And to trust what I’m hearing from him and not question it. He’s has given me a deeper hunger to know Him more personally and to know the Truth
Side Note:
Ebenezer, in Hebrew literally means a “Stone of Help.” 1 Samuel 4:1-11 and 5:1 where Samuel set up a marker-stone to commemorate the victorious battle and identify it as a place where God’s miraculous help aided them
I’ve got all my gear, have all my shots, purchased overseas insurance, getting malaria prescriptions filled, setting up my Power of Attorney for bank accounts, and cutting off memberships and cell phone service. All of this “closing down” business is quite overwhelming and a bit surreal for me, but I keep moving forward knowing what’s ahead and knowing what God has called me to!
I continue to raise support – I’m a little over ½ way there in support and pledges, so if you feel led to support me, please click Support Me. I trust God to provide miraculously as He has been all along!
