Countdown Continues

It's hard to wrap my mind around the fact that I'm about to be en route to Kenya. In fact, this time a week from now I will be on a 14.5 hour flight with plenty of time to do just that.

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The past month of planning and preparations has been beyond anything I could have fathomed. God has used me finally stepping forward in obedience to His call as a way to show His power in my life. It's amazing what happens when you finally surrender the fact that you don't have control over anything (something I was silly enough to think I was exempt from having to do). The freedom and JOY I have experienced by handing over the smallest things to our Heavenly Father has made this a very rich month. Things had been going smooth. Almost too smooth. Checking off tasks that were necessary for leaving the country led me to realize that only 4 weeks before departure I had no idea where my passport was. On top of that the birth certificate I would need to obtain my passport... Yep, you guessed it... missing also. I still believe they are neatly tucked away together somewhere and God is sitting back laughing at the hoops I have jumped through, only to now see how much more beneficial the lessons I've learned through it were. This was a situation that normal Holland would stress to the max about, but in this case I knew God had it under control. My daily devotions have been saturated with verses that remind me that trials are a good thing in the eyes of the Lord.

"Consider it a great joy my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing." James 1:2-4

I no longer look for people to accompany me in the misery of my hefty to-do list. Rather, this is an opportunity to turn from my circumstances to God himself, realizing that tougher situations are evidence of Him working in my life. He doesn't throw anything our way that we cannot overcome with His help. Not only did I get all of my passport troubles taken care of, but it came in the mail earlier than the date there was even a chance it would first arrive!

Sending out support letters for this trip was another thing that got me out of my comfort zone right off the bat. This isn't something that's foreign to me, it's actually been the way that I've rallied family and friends around me in trips past to share what I'm about to be a part of. This time was different though. I am fundraising totally on my own, without a team behind me. Getting to watch that team come together through response to my support letters has been an unbelievable experience. God deserves all the credit for every person who has reached out to pray for this mission and every dollar that has come in. I wish I had more time to meet with each and every one of you to express my gratitude, but you know who you are and I am so thankful for your generosity and support in this endeavor. Therapy Across Borders is going to do some amazing things in the coming years. God has blessed this trip, and He will continue to receive every ounce of glory that comes from it. If you feel led to donate, you can follow this link https://therapyacrossborders.org/donate. All donations through this site will be tax-deductible. For it to go towards my trip, you must make sure to put my name in the "write a note" section. There's never a point in which it's too late to send financial support or join my team in prayer. I am going to continue this blog throughout my trip to share prayer requests and the projects I'm working on within the community and orphanage. Once I'm there I will have a better idea of what supplies are needed to make a true difference. The American dollar goes so far in a place like this with such a depressed economy. To be able to purchase things for my ministry such as arts & crafts to engage with the kids from their own local markets is something I'd like to be able to accomplish. I can't wait to wind down my days getting into the Word and meditating on how it can influence every moment of this experience.

Why do I tell you all these details? Because to-do lists, planning, and basically running around like a chicken with my head cut off (hey mom) have been the fabric of my life for the past 8 years. It took this long for me to realize that the God who is Lord over my life just wants me to loosen my grip. It took the busiest season of my life to finally get the picture.

The devil has been trying to work, but God is working overtime.

Getting an expedited passport, ordering a VISA, sending out support letters, getting vaccinations, leaving my job, preparing for PT school, joining a couples small group, and various other things that I've been juggling have been open doors for my God to hold me in the palm of His hand and show me how much easier life is when you simply lean on Him. Obstacles I've faced during this process have been minor situations that satan has wanted to use to soften the passion burning in my heart for the people of Kenya I can't wait to finally meet. The older I get the more I'm learning that if you let inconveniences like these be day ruiners, you're setting yourself up for a lot of ruined days. The friction in life is when God is actually trying to prove His almighty power. Instead of running from the pressure, which may seem easier in the moment, we should begin to lean into what newness He wants for us. The fire God has lit in my life to be His light and shine it to everyone I come into contact with doesn't stand a chance to the tricks of the evil one. I've attached my devotion from a few days ago below, because it is so beautifully stated that summarizing would rob you all of receiving the message in your own way.

Streams in the Desert - L.B. Cowman

This next week, please pray that I am covered in peace for safe travels. I know that upon arrival I will have Johnson, who I can't wait to introduce you all to, waiting for me at the airport. He is a local Kenyan and will be my means of transportation, help me with getting settled into my homestay, and my first friend there! He works very closely with TAB. You can read more about him and the other founders of the organization on their website which I have linked on the home page. They have been vital in putting all of this together, and I know it's been no easy feat. I'm so thankful for their servant hearts and their desire to start this non-profit with the mission they bring to it. Prayers are definitely appreciated for the host family who is so gracious to receive me and preparing to feed me three meals a day for a month. Theresia is the name of the lady who will be taking care of me in Kasarani, Kenya. Please pray for the children and young adults of Total Rehab where I will be volunteering. I have caught glimpses of them in photos and videos, and though I don't know much I do know that life for them is not easy most days. They somehow manage to go through it with massive smiles on their faces. Pray for my faith to be strengthened every day as I go into an entirely different environment with little sense of home. Pray for Garner, my incredible boyfriend as he and I step into this long distance phase of our relationship. He has been a sounding board for me throughout every step of this. Though he may have thought I was crazy when I first told him about my dream of going to Kenya with an organization who is sending me as their first volunteer, he is now my biggest cheerleader and keeps me focused on how this is all meant for the glory of our awesome God. Thank you all for your constant support!