As I type this, I am just amazed and awed that the King of Kings and Father of all Creation has hand picked ME in spite of my failures and weaknesses to come on this journey across the World and serve among other brothers and sisters! Seriously, I do not view myself as the picture of a missionary going to Africa and yet HE has called me and set me apart for such a time as this! THAT is define mercy and grace!
Right now, we are in Atlanta GA. We left Bayfield at around noon yesterday and drove the 4 hrs to Grand Junction where we met up with part of our team. In Grand Junction, we met with Tobey (my friend's dad), Cynthia (teen), and Katie(teen). Tab and I joined them and we flew the short one hour flight to Salt Lake City Utah. Once in Salt Lake, we joined with Judy (pastor's wife), Dorothy (Tobey's secretary) and Dave (Dorothy's husband). We had a LONG 6 hours in the Salt Lake airport. Yet, as you can imagine, I found things to do! Things like, wheel chair races and falling on my face, skipping on the moving sidewalk, and just laughing and getting to know our team! Finally at almost 1:00 am, we boarded our flight to Atlanta! The flight was VERY booked and very uncomfortable. We had to gate check our carry on bags for space and none slept very well. 6:00 this morning, we landed in Atlanta and went to gather our checked carry ons. Delay #1 - Cynthia's did not make it! We have no idea how since it was a gate checked bag, but it didn't. They couldn't track it as the tag was hand written (their system not ours). After waiting almost 2 hours, we left the airport to come to the hotel and get food and MUCH needed sleep!
So, now I have rested and showered and feel like I am ready to continue on the next part of the journey to Zim! We will hang out here until about 4:30 and then head back to the airport in preparation for a 7:30 flight to AFRICA! That flight will be harder as it is 15 hours!!!! I am sure we will keep busy though playing cards, reading, journaling, etc.
To say what I am thinking and feeling is a little hard. Yesterday I had several "panic" moments. Like when I saw my oldest cry at church and when I realized I didn't have the exact medicine they recommended and when it dawned on me that when I return to Colorado the leaves will have changed. However - I heard the still small voice of my Savior on our first flight. I was in a seat next to someone I didn't know and he was asleep. As I prayed, I heard "I'm here and you are fine." Probably the most clearest I have ever sensed HIM! It was as though, He took His hand and placed it on my shoulder whispering His presence. The fears and anxieties faded in the light of HIS presence!
Today, I am just ready to be there and meet the people. In a conversation last night, I discovered that many of the wives there are new to ministry and have moments of discouragement. I can't WAIT to get there and hug their necks and tell them that I KNOW how they feel, I have walked that path, I know how discouraging it can be and yet I know that it is worth the blessing and so much more! I had originally thought that I would be most excited about the children and teens but I can tell you that is NOT the case any more! I am excited to meet pastor's wives and let them how much I love them and encourage them. I want to share my story with them and how Jesus has blessed over the 15 years in ministry and how I have grown through those times when I shouted "Why God?" This is the passion that burns in my heart! However, I won't mind loving on a few babies either!!!!
Well, I have no idea if I will actually blog again until we return stateside. Once I get back, my intention is to type my journal entries day by day and share them with you all so you will see my heart each day! Thank you for your prayers and support. They mean so much! Joel will be checking my e-mail, updating you all and all of that. Love you all and I am off to Africa!!!
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