"The poor in spirit are blessed, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. Those who mourn are blessed, for they will be comforted. The gentle are blessed, for they will inherit the earth. Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are blessed, for they will be filled. The merciful are blessed, for they will be shown mercy. The pure in heart are blessed, for they will see God. The peacemakers are blessed, for they will be called sons of God. Those who are persecuted for righteousness are blessed, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs." -Matthew 5:3-10
Today, as I sit in the airport waiting to fly to Amsterdam and eventually Uganda, I consider myself truly blessed. While the journey ahead is one that I am so excited to begin, I don't ever want to forget the One who has led me to this point, the One who makes this all worthwhile. Today, as I embark on such a life changing experience, I want to reflect and remember the provision that the Lord has already shown me.
Blessing: When the Lord laid it on my heart to go to the nations, He had already placed 13 wonderful kingdom changers in my life, my team, to pray my way to God's plan. They are all just as passionate about missions as I am, and I couldn't imagine GOing without them in my corner.
Blessing: When I told my family about the opportunity to serve college students in Uganda, the Lord softened their hearts and gave them comfort in the decision. In a conversation with my mom, she told me that while this journey should be a major source of anxiety for her, it wasn't. She knew this is where I needed to be.
Blessing: When I told my roommate I would be leaving for four months, we were able to find a friend who needed a place to live for the exact amount of time that I will be gone. I will not have to pay any bills while abroad.
Blessing: The missionary family that will be hosting me actually knows a couple of friends of mine, the Tolan's, who live in my town. They go way, back, and I know by the character of my friends that my hosts will be a wonderful fit.
Blessing: God used the sacrificial gift of one person and multiplied it in a way that only He can. During the fundraising process, there was a week of time where every day the amount raised literally doubled. I was fully funded two weeks early, and I am now significantly "overfunded."
Blessing: The Lord provided by making a way for me to get my necessary immunizations to go to Uganda. In order to get into the country, I had to have a Yellow Fever vaccination, which has been in practically nonexistent supply for the past year and a half. The Lord made a way for me to receive the vaccination, one of two appointments that week, just in time for my flight.
Blessing: So many people have come out of the woodworks with contacts in Uganda. If I am to need anything outside of my mission, I have reliable people nearby who can help.
Blessing: My daily prescription, which can only be filled every three months, was filled for the duration of my trip the day before I left my hometown.
Blessing: All three of my jobs have offered that I return to work in December. While I don't know that I will go back to all three, it is comforting to know that I will have options and an income when I come home.
Y'all, I could go on and on. It has been made abundantly clear to me through this process that God wants me in Uganda. I have always struggled with having an anxious heart, but I have never felt so confident in anything in my entire life. This is what happens when you put your "yes" on the table for the Lord, I'm sure of it. I'm not going to pretend like it's the easiest thing to do (I'll get to that later), but He makes it so, so worth it.
I'm signing off for now, at the beginning of a very long journey. Peace, prayers, and provision are all I need.