I've been meaning to get this up for a little while now. Here's my most recent update that was sent out. As a reminder, if you'd like to receive email updates from me on what's going on in Kenya & how you can best be praying (aside from what I put on this blog) shoot me an email or leave a comment below!
Dear Family & Friends,
Thank you doesn’t seem like enough to say in response to the overwhelming support you’ve given me, both financially and in prayer. Through your monthly pledges and one time gifts, I have reached my support goal of $16,000 in a mere 4 months! There is no other explanation other than to say God is my provider!
I wanted to be sure to send you all at least one more update before I head out. While I still don’t have tons of new info on what I’ll be doing, I’ll share with you what I know. I will officially be flying out on Friday, May 13th after my Orientation Retreat in Marion, IN (May 9-12). I’ll be housed in an apartment at the Baby Center, allowing me to spend time giving plenty of love to the children & workers there. While this will not be my primary job, I’m still unsure what my ministry in Salgaa will look like. I will have a better idea once I’m officially on-site. But I’m confident that God has prepared a place for me there & I’m excited to go and be a part of the ministry He’s already doing.
I feel like I’ve already learned so much, from when I first applied back in April 2010 to when I got accepted this past September to now. This journey has been one of surrender yet incredible growth. I’m confident that what God has been preparing me for is much bigger than just 12 months in Kenya. And while there’s a level of uncertainty, I refuse to let fear get in the way.
More than ever, I recognize the importance of prayer in this journey. Without it, all my efforts will fail. I need God to show up, to lead the way, to open the doors. So here are some ways you can join with me in prayer:
· Direction— Once I’m actually on the field is when we’ll determine exactly what kind of work I will be doing. Pray for God to make clear the opportunities He has planned out for me. Pray that I, along with WGM & those on the field I’ll be working with, will have eyes to see them and courage to step out and take them.
· Connection— Pray for the relationships I’ll be building with the women of Salgaa, the babies at the Baby Center, & others I will meet. Pray that I will make the most of these relationships and the opportunity I have to invest in, and love on others. Pray that I would be able to “find my fit” quickly as this will all be new to me. Pray that I will be able to find those who I can be challenged by, encouraged by, and who I can grow with.
· Renewed Spirit— I’m not going to sugar coat that these past four months have been incredibly busy, really this entire year has been. And there have been times where I’ve found myself almost too overwhelmed to function. While I know that life just tends to be busy for most people anymore, I am praying that once I leave for Kenya I will have the opportunity to find some rest. I’m looking forward to a change in pace. My prayer is that these 12 months will be filled times to be refreshed, renewed and gain a new recognition of who God is, who I am, and what He has called me to.
· That God will be glorified— Ultimately, I’m not going to Kenya for myself. Yes I’m excited for the change and I’m anxious to go back to a place that I dearly love. But I am going to Kenya if for no other reason than to glorify God with my life. I recognize that the passions and dreams He’s given me are not the same as He’s given everyone else. And if Kenya is where God is calling me to go, then I want to go and give Him everything I’ve got to bring Him glory.
I am so excited for this incredible opportunity! Some days, I still can’t believe that I’m actually going back. I’ve traveled a lot of places in my life, but this will be my first time ever returning to the same exact place. I’m anxious to reconnect with those I met back in 2009. And I am beyond excited to return to a place that is near and dear to my heart!
For now, I’m praying that I can make the most of these next 5 weeks and that my transition from NMC will be a smooth one. Thank you all again so much for your generous support! I am truly blessed to have so many people who have been willing to come alongside me! Thank you!
Thank you to everyone whose been supporting me along the way. I've literally been overwhelmed by it! I'm so thankful for this incredible opportunity and for the incredible support that has come along with it!
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