Wow!

The last month or so has been a bit of a whirlwind and I have neglected to update this blog... my blog pet peeve.  So, today let me give you a quick update of where I am at physically, financially and spiritually.

Physically

I decided that since I am heading to a remote area of the world and haven't had a physical in at least 10 years, it was time.  God is so good!  I called my husband's GP and just made an appointment with their practice.  Come to find out, the doctor assigned to me spent 2 years oversees as a surgeon in the army and had been to Kenya several times throughout his tours.  He gave me some basic advice and encouragement and was extremely helpful in the area of "what shots to get" and "what medicine to take with me".  Man, God really is good all the time - even when I forget to ask!  The doctor gave me a thumbs up on my physical state and a 60 day prescription for Malaria pills with very strict instructions to take them exactly as directed and to WEAR SUNSCREEN.  When I went to pick the medicine up the pharmacist said 2 words to me 4 times "WEAR SUNSCREEN".  Apparently my natural winter paleness and the combination of the medicine would turn my skin orange...  I'll be WEARING SUNSCREEN.  I have completed almost all of the necessary shots for the trip - 8 out of 9.  My arms are sore, but it's a "good" sore.

Financially

My first payment deadline was quickly approaching, so I lobbed in an email to the finance office at Carmel to see where I was and almost fainted when she gave me my "to date" donations.  To date friends and family have sent in almost $2780.  I am both overwhelmed by their generosity and not at all surprised by my God's provision.  I have been picking up as many extra hours at my little job at school, to help make up for anything that I thought might not be covered.  Oh me of little faith...  God has seen fit to allow me to be comfortably over 50% of my total goal at the halfway mark - awesome!  To those of you that have helped me so very generously in a financial way, I cannot even begin to properly thank you - what a blessing you have been to me.  I am looking forward to seeing how God helps me with the last, almost $800 - such a simple task for Him, why do I worry...

Spiritually

I am learning every day through this journey, that I AM NOT IN CONTROL.  Kind of a big lesson for a control freak - or so I've been told that's what I am...  At the beginning I sort of giggled to myself, when I thought of asking friends and family to help me out financially, thinking "there is no way - I am just going to have to do this on my own".  Was I wrong.  Then I thought, well, I am going to have to come up with the money to pay for the shots I need (nearly $900).  Well, God saw fit to have over half of them covered by insurance without even a co-pay and the malaria medication was only $10.  Did you see all of the "I's" in those sentences?  Give it up girl!  Over and over GOD has seen fit to bless me above and beyond.  I'm afraid fully trusting will be a life long learning process for me.

As I learn more and more about the precious place I am going, I am giddy!  My fear of leaving my family is still ever present, but it is slowly fading.  I am grateful that it won't ever go away, but I am so glad God has given me so much peace in this area.

As I continue this journey, I'll do my best to keep posting more regularly.  My plane tickets are in the process of being secured - so it is that much closer to a reality!  I so covet your prayers over the next several weeks as we wind up the school year and then as I prepare for the trip.

Love you all!