I Am So Grateful

We have had an African pastor from Kenya visiting for the past few weeks. He spoke at church the last two Sundays. The first time I met him was about three years ago in Tanzania. He is such a wonderful man of God. Having him here has been so neat. It makes me think about moving to Tanzania even more. I am looking forward to seeing some of the people that I've met on my past two visits to Africa. There are a couple of pastors that I have continued to have contact with via email. They know I am coming in July and have expressed their excitement. I just received an email from one pastor who calls me his "American Sister." He emailed me today to let me know he is continuing to pray for my big move...so sweet.

I was teaching at school today and just enjoying the kids. I was thinking about what my life will be like in a year from now. I began to miss what I have right now...a wonderful class and great people I work with. I love being a teacher and I'll miss it so much. I think the Lord gave me African friends so that I can continue to remember them and their needs...So I will be able to let go of what I love so much right now for a people that I have come to love.
Thank you God for your love in my heart for others. I am so grateful.

Transition

It really hit me hard this past week...the realization of my current transitional situation. I recently gave away a huge chunk of my belongings and what I did not give away I stored in plastic storage containers. I have some clothes that I wear to work hanging in the closet and a few casual clothes. But there's not much else that is not stored away.
This is a different time for me...transitional time. It's the time before the big move. It is really important not to focus my attention on all that is going on in my life with a negative attitude. After I've moved to Africa, I don't want to look back and wish that I had enjoyed these last few months in America more.
I have determined in my heart to enjoy all that is going on around me and to see it all with a more thankful heart.
The other day I was telling a friend of mine about some frustrations I was experiencing. We ended up laughing about my attitude. I walked away thanking the Lord for the grace to see all this transition from a light-hearted point of view. I want to look back at this time and be able to smile and laugh...while I enjoy the transition time right now.

Feeling Sentimental

I was talking to my mom on the phone tonight. She hasn't been feeling very good for over a week, but she always says she's fine. I can hear it in her voice...she's tired and weak. She isn't herself.
It hit me tonight stronger than any other time...I'm moving far away. I won't be close to my mom. Anyone who knows me knows that I am not the kind of person who needs to talk to my mother everyday. But when I heard my mom's weak and tired voice on the phone I missed her. I missed the idea of being within driving distance from her. I missed the comfort of knowing I can drive to the house that I was raised in and be there in less than two hours. I miss my mom. I miss my brothers who I always see when I'm there and I miss my sweet nephews who I treasure.

Tonight is the first night I have cried this strong. It feels like the process I'm supposed to go through before I move to Africa. I won't try to suppress what is going on inside. I will cling to the Lord through this process...he'll lead me through.
I talked to my Cousin Cathy tonight. She is one of my most favorite people. I'm going to miss that girl. I cried after I talked to her.
I am thankful that I have people in my life that I'm going to miss so much that it makes me cry.

Thinking Ahead

We are planning on sending a container to Africa with all kinds of personal belongings and lots of items donated for the orphanage. The container is scheduled for shipment in early May. I am looking forward to sending my books and some personal items that I won't be able to fit in a suitcase when I leave in July.
Right now I am living with friends in a bedroom surrounded by all that I own in plastic containers I bought at Target. I put everything in these containers so we could use them for storage in Africa.

I think this weekend I am going to do some shopping for supplies that I'll want to have with me in Africa. I want to start the process of dividing up all that I own into groups that are Africa bound and get them ready to go in the container.
I have a goal. By the end of this weekend I want to have three plastic containers filled and ready to be shipped. I want to cross off at least 10 items from my list of supplies and have them packed to go.
I like making lists and setting goals. I like thinking ahead and getting things done before the due date.

Amazing Peace

I've had one of those weeks where I was basically non-stop from the time I woke up until my head hit the pillow. And my head didn't hit the pillow until very late at night. It was one of my busiest weeks in a long time.
Today was the first day since I've moved to where I am now staying that I made it home before dark.
In the midst of all the busy-ness and working so hard I have had an amazing peace. I have had a few opportunities this week to get really frustrated and offended. But instead I have been aware of each situation as it was happening...almost like I was watching it happen to someone else...and I have seen myself respond to each situation from a desire to bless that person. I am so thankful to the Lord for grace. I can feel such an amazing peace over me at this time in my life. When so much of my life is changing right now and little details keep popping up that need to be taken care of and that full-time job of mine calls me all the time, there is this amazing peace surrounding me.
Yesterday someone told me my face was glowing...hmmm...I guess others can see what I have been feeling. God is neat that way. :)