Welcome!

First of all, welcome to my first blog! I never thought I'd do this, but hopefully it will give you an opportunity to see and experience where I am at (physically, mentally, spiritually).

It is just over a month before the start of the six-month trip God has called me to take. I am excited about what God is doing to prepare me for this. As I draw closer to Him, I am finding more peace about what He has called me to do. Just the other day, I was overwhelmed with God's preparation and provision in my life for this trip. On Sunday, the message at church was in Philippians 3. Literally right next to the verses we were looking at, on the other side of the page, was a passage I'd underlined and starred exactly one year before (while I was still in Thailand):

"Rejoice in the LORD always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The LORD is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:4-7

God has been proving Himself faithful in all things. I was anxious about finances. I confessed my concern and also confessed the LORD's past faithfulness and He proved faithful. I was anxious about the trip and getting everything together for it. He proved faithful in giving me peace and time. "The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it" (1 Thessalonians 5:24).

I'd like to take this time to thank you for being obedient by coming alongside me with your prayers and finances. From the very beginning stages of this process, God led me to Acts 2:42-47. This passage, about the early church, encouraged me to press on knowing that He would provide anything I need through the people He has placed in my life. So, thank you again, and I will continue to thank you, for your partnership!

I will do my best in the coming months to keep you updated! Thank you and may God bless you abundantly!

"They devoted themselveds to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the LORD added to their number daily those who were being saved." -Acts 2: 42-47