My Devotion to You: March 2006

About Me

Location: Moshi, Tanzania

This blog is all about my journey living and working in Moshi, Tanzania. This process began before I moved to Moshi in July 2006 and continues as I have been living here six and a half years. I like to write blogs about the kids here at Treasures of Africa Children's Home and about life in Tanzania and the fun things about living in a different culture. The children have become a huge part of my life here. I have fallen in love with them and each day they bring something new and fun to life. God has truly blessed me.

Monday, March 27, 2006

Reaching a Goal Without Even Trying

I set a goal for myself in January. That goal was to down-size my life by 50% or more before the end of March. I knew this was a huge goal and really didn't think it was going to happen...I wanted it to happen but why down-size if there is no pressing need to.
Well as it turns out I did have a pressing need to. I unexpectantly had to move out of my house. I was planning on moving but not until June.
So as of today, March 27th, I have down-sized my life by about 70%. It is amazing to see all my possessions in plastic containers...no more big furniture and no large items to cart around. I reached my goal and I wasn't even planning on it.
I know God has called me to live a simple life and to be willing to give it all away. "Things" are not to become a security for me. I didn't have a hard time letting go of my belongings. There wasn't anything I gave away that I am yearning to have back. But down-sizing my life so drastically in such a short amount of time has made me stop and think about how much more the Lord means to me. This experience has been hard but worth it. I am thankful to the Lord for grace and strength.
God is faithful to his word...and he is faithful to help us keep our word even when we make a goal that doesn't seem possible to keep. :)

Monday, March 06, 2006

Ordination Sunday

Yesterday was a wonderful day. I was officially ordained as a missionary of Safe Harbor Church. It makes the realization of moving to Africa in July that much more real. I was so blessed by the whole service. My mom, aunt, uncle and cousin were there and said they loved the service. It was a very special time.
There it is...one more step closer on this journey of getting ready to leave. I like these moments when it hits me hard that I am leaving soon. Being ordained as a missionary of Safe Harbor Church has me realizing how much work I have left to do and the small amount of time I have to get it all done. Then I feel this strong need to completely depend on the Lord and trust Him. It floods my soul and I begin to relax because the Lord is calling me to lean on Him completely...thanks God for the reminder again and again.
This is quite a journey I am on. I've never traveled this road before...thanks Connie for the words of encouragement...It's all new and very exciting. :)