Encouragement and Strength

I was thinking about all of my personal belongings I have given away in the last couple of months. The majority of the things that I have kept are going with me to Africa. I will keep some clothing items here in a container stored at a friend's house so when I visit I can have some nice "Sunday's best" clothes.
I have packed a lot of what I am taking to Africa and put it in plastic bins to be placed in the container we are shipping to Africa. The more I give away and the more I pack for the container brings me that much closer to the realization of moving.
I am not scared. I'm not feeling anxious. When I think about it I usually just say to myself "what else would you be doing?" How long has the Lord asked of me to do something beyond myself...beyond my borders...beyond my comfort zone of living. It's as if He has been whispering it to me all my life. I've heard Him in my heart. I've asked Him to strengthen me for the journey that I knew I'd travel someday. Now is that time and I feel the strength I need to take this road of living beyond my comfort zone. I continue to pray for strength and everyday I see the blessing of the Lord and His strength in my life.

I love the way God uses people. Today someone at work put a box filled with mustard packets on my desk because I had mentioned that mustard is my favorite condiment. She wanted me to be able to enjoy mustard in Africa...so so sweet. When I thanked her she said she was going to buy a box of ketchup too...since I mentioned that I like ketchup. This may sound silly but to me it was HUGE. It blessed me and encouraged me. I felt the Lord in this sweet act of thoughtfulness...it made me laugh and smile the whole day. I told a friend and she cried...she got it and shared in the moment with me. :)