Thank you Lord for such beautiful gifts!

As I sit here quietly on Christmas Eve, I reflect on the past year and pray about the new year.  I think about how blessed I am and I am so very thankful.  But the thing I am thinking the most about, are the gifts that I received from my brothers and sisters in Africa.  I think these are the things that I most cherish.  They gave me 3 beautiful and precious gifts and I will never be the same:).

First of all, they taught me what unconditional love is all about.  They loved me simply because I came to their country.  The loved me because that's what they do and who they are.  They are loving and kind and beyond gracious.

Secondly, they taught me the joy of the simple life.  They don't have much, as far as material things go and measured against our standard of living, but they have something very few of us in the US have....pure and simple joy.

Thirdly, they modeled total dependence on God for me in a way I have never seen before.  Total and complete trust.  Wildly beautiful worship.  Soul generated prayer.  And a confidence in God that is so deep.  And with that dependence, a beautiful and unshakeable peace.

And I pray that their examples, lessons and teachings will be pressed down deeply within my heart and soul and grow good and sweet fruit that reflects the love of Christ Jesus to all I meet.

And I am just so thankful to be counting down the days until I'm back in Africa, the place of my dreams and the place that God has led me to.  What a good, good Father He is.

And what a beautiful time of reflection, thanksgiving and prayer this has been.  Happy Birthday Jesus!  And a very Merry Christmas to all my sweet friends.  I love y'all!:):):)

God is a good, good Father!

 

I'm back in Georgia :) and enjoyed a beautiful Thanksgiving with my sweet daughter and then celebrated  my dad's 86th birthday!
And now, I've been blessed to speak at 4 churches since I've been home!  To give my testimony and tell folks how my good Father called me to Africa!  It's not about me, but all about Almighty God and His great purpose for every person and people group on the planet!
I'm still trying to sell my house (pictured above) and my stuff, and trying to figure out what's the best app to sell stuff on!  Let me know if you have one that is easy to use (I'm technologically challenged) with good results!
And I’m still in the process of raising prayer and financial support, so if you feel led to join with me on this incredible journey to Africa, you can contribute at: www.themissionsociety.org. Please remember to enter my name and my specific account number #3090. All donations are tax deductible. Please pray about making monthly donations, as this is what it will take to keep me in Africa long term.
And all my thanks to so many who have joined me in this incredible journey!  I couldn't get there on my own!  And all my praise to God, who is laying out the path, step by step, for me to walk on!
Merry Christmas -- and know I love you all!
(Originally posted late-November 2016)

A Thousand Things

Hey guys!  I'm still in Colorado and it's still amazing.  I know I've been posting some beautiful hiking pics, but I promise you, I'm hard at work Monday - Friday!  I'm learning a thousand things that will be needed in order to serve well in Africa.  Things like language learning, conflict management styles and techniques, understanding culture, dealing with loneliness and isolation and so much more.
Thank you so much for your love and encouragement!  Means so much when you're away from your comfort zone and trying to push a lot of new information into you 50 something year old brain LOL!
And I'm still in the process of raising prayer and financial support, so if you feel led to join with me on this incredible journey to Africa, you can contribute at:  www.themissionsociety.org.  Please remember to enter my name and my specific account number #3090.  All donations are tax deductible.  Please pray about making monthly donations, as this is what it will take to keep me in Africa long term.
So see you all soon.  Love and miss y'all and please know you are in my prayers.  Also Peach County is on my mind and heart and I've been praying so many prayers of peace and comfort and love over our sweet community and families and officers.  Truly I have no words, just prayers and love.
(Originally published November 2016)

What is language learning?

Well, I am here in the most beautiful state  in the world :) (Colorado), at Mission Training International (MTI)  learning language techniques and methodologies. I am not learning how to speak South Sudanese, but am learning how to "learn" a new language.  And it's so cool.  It's hard, but I have found that I can learn language!  Whoo hoo!  I'll be here until mid-November!  So much to learn and so grateful for this training.
I still plan to begin my 4 year term in Africa in January 2017.  I am in the process of selling my house (yes, the sweet River House) and most of my "stuff."   Some of that's hard and some of it is amazingly easy.  One thing is for sure, I will never let myself accumulate this much stuff ever again haha!
I'm also still raising monthly financial support.  If you would like to be a part of something totally incredible, please consider supporting this ministry on a monthly basis.  You can contact me or go to The Mission Society's website at www.themissionsociety.org.  You can give electronically via bank draft or credit card.  So easy to be a part of this and I know it will bring you so much joy!
This is such an incredible faith journey; just taking one step at a time!   And thank ya'll so much for your love, encouragement, and support.  I totally could not do this without you all!  LOVE!
More later -- from Colorado!
(Originally published November 2016)