Made It!

Hello all!  I am finally here in Zimbabwe and it is so exciting!  My friends Stephanie and Rob Davy picked me up from the airport last night in Harare and we stayed at Rob's brothers house.  Today we are simply spending our day here in the city awaiting the arrival of our friend Kate, whose flight will be coming in this evening.  First thing in the morning we will be leaving for Chiredzi, which they have assured me is where the real culture shock will truly set in.  I very much look forward to seeing their hometown, which I have heard so much about.

It feels so nice to finally be here after so much preparation.  Everything has been very smooth so far, so God is definitely taking good care of me!  I can already tell that Africa is going to be very different from anything I am used to.  I just really hope I get to see some elephants before I leave (Rob will make sure that I do).

I must keep this update brief because I only paid for a certain amount of internet time, and also because we are getting ready to go eat Sadza!  Hopefully I will be able to give another, more detailed update at the end of the week before Kate and I head off to Mozambique.  So...until next time!

Across the Pond

After a beautiful prayer service with my church family this morning, my mom and I are off to the airport. This weekend definitely hasn't been without hangups. From luggage weight limits to paper routes and car wrecks, we have had our share of stress. But my God is all powerful and so, so good. He promises to take care of those who love him and follow Him whole-heartedly, and I know He is always true to His word. 

Lately, I have been feeling very unworthy to be an advocate and a witness for Jesus Christ. However before I was fooled into believing the Devil's lies, God spoke to me and gently reminded me of something: we are all unworthy. That is what makes the story of a loving, self-sacrificing savior so wonderful. It is, after all, called the GOOD NEWS!!!

I want to thank all of you for your support through this time.  I feel encouraged and strengthened knowing I am surrounded by such a wonderful body of believers.  Your prayers will be what makes the difference during this ministry and learning experience in Africa! Thanks again and God bless!!!

Believer

Yesterday on my way to church, I heard a song on the radio that brought tears to my eyes.  If you know me (and my mom) very well, then you should know this is not a very difficult thing to do.  It was a song I have heard time and time again, but only yesterday morning did the meaning finally sink in.  These words are very true and can be extremely powerful if we will learn to believe what they are saying.

                                                                Believer

                                           by: Audio Adrenaline
                      

I want to live this live unsafe, unsure, but not afraid
What I want is to give all I got somehow
Giving up letting go of control right now

‘Cause I’m already out here, blind but I can see
I see the way You’re moving
God how I believe that

I can push back the mountains, can stand on the waves
I can see through the darkness, I’ll hold up the flame
Take me to the ocean I want to go deeper
I’m not afraid no, I’m a believer

And so I lose this life to find my way and come alive
They can try to deny what’s inside of me
But there is more, can’t ignore all the things unseen

Oh I believe I can walk on water with You, Lord

When I walk through the valley of the shadows
When I’m trapped in the middle of the battle
I will trust in You
‘Cause trouble comes, but you never let it take me
I hold fast ‘cause I know that You will save me
I will trust in You, I will trust in You

Oh here I stand all alone waiting on you, Lord
Waiting on You

This song has really moved me.  Of course we cannot physically "push back a mountain" or "stand on a wave" because that is impossible.  However, if we can learn to surrender to the all-powerful King of the Universe, every seemingly impossible thing CAN become a reality!

Six months ago, I had absolutely no idea what God had in store for me.  I had come to a place where I realized that it was time for me to give up my own plans for my life.  You see, my plans rarely ever worked!  And even when they did, I was still left feeling completely dissatisfied.  Humbled and broken, I began to pray that God would lead me into the path that He had laid out for me.  The next thing I knew, doors were being thrown open from every direction making it very clear that something magnificent was awaiting me in Africa.  I decided to answer the call.  

Since then I have seen God answer many prayers, shattering any doubts I still had about the power of my Creator.  Everything that has simply fallen into place since my decision to go to Africa has only solidified my certainty that God has called me there for His bigger purpose.  

So in 6 days I will be getting on a plane and flying to the other side of the world, and I feel no fear whatsoever.  God's promises are true and I know that through Him I will be able to accomplish immeasurably more than I could ever even dream of on my own! 

I'm a believer.

Audio Adrenaline - Believer