Catching Up...

A lot has happened since I last posted.  Since most of you are on my email update list, you’ve been otherwise kept up-to-date on what is going on… but I wanted to check in on here as well.  Just after my last post highlighting my excitement and preparations, I learned that my “due date” for 100% monthly funding in Tanzania is, in fact, not "just before my leave date of June 25", as I thought… but instead, MAY 15. 

At the time, I was pretty convinced I was done.  There was no hope.  I quite literally curled up, cried, and thought it was over.  I had been connecting with people for a full year to share about what God was doing in Tanzania, and I'd only raised a bit of the funds I needed.  I'd spent nearly that whole time just making ends meet.  Then suddenly, I was given THREE WEEKS to raise over $900/mo?  I couldn't do this anymore.  And there was no way could God work this out.  Nor would He want to, right?  I must have misunderstood his plan.  Thoughts of finding a teaching job – or SOME job – here were floating through my brain faster than a river going over a waterfall.  And I felt horrible that all the families that were counting on me to help teach their kids would be let down.

And then, God moved.  And showed that when there’s a God-sized problem, it’s only a God-sized solution that can make things happen.  And He’s glorified His name a million times in the past two weeks.  He's brought in over $700/mo in commitments from people ranging from family and dear friends to people I’ve never even met.  I’m standing in awe of Him.

I’ve also been so encouraged to be in touch with many of the families I’ll be working with in Musoma.  To hear how they really want me there.  See them put up posts asking for prayers on my behalf on Facebook and blogs.  And realize I’m already part of the team.

I’ve gotten to be surrounded by people who I didn’t know I needed.  Who didn’t necessarily know I needed them.  People who were – are – being the Body of Christ in a huge way.  And who get to participate in something great God is doing in Tanzania, even if they can’t hop on a plane and go themselves.

I’ve been on more roller coasters than I can count.  I’ve been wiped of all energy, had sleepless nights, wondered what the future held.  I’ve also been embraced, loved, prayed for, and encouraged by more people than I’ve ever known before.

And I realize.  That I’ve still got $218 / mo to raise.  It’s not a done deal yet.  My administrators are telling me it’s going to happen.  And even though I worried through the first two weeks – even as I saw people’s emails and phone calls saying they wanted to be a part of this journey with me coming in hourly – I’m finally starting to trust that God has a good plan in all of this.  (Yes, I know.  I’m a little slow sometimes.)

So.  $218/month.  Six days to go.  Let's pray big.  And assume that our really BIG God has good plans to bring even more amazing people onto the team and to be a part of what He's doing.  

And, of course, to glorify His name even more!

So thankful for all of you!