Well it's been just over a year and a half since I wrote about wanting to travel or go on missions outside the USA. In that blog I was planning on going somewhere...anywhere far away. And now it is finally happening I am headed to Malawi Africa tonight. My flight will have 2 stops along the way. First stop will be in Washington D.C and the second stop will be in Ethiopia. My missions trip will be 2 weeks long. I am traveling with my friend Brian with the organization Reaching the Hungry (please check out the website to see what amazing things they are doing around the world) We will be installing 3 water wells and fixing 3 or 4 other wells. We will be showing the Jesus film, passing out solar talking bibles and giving out reading glasses. And of course sharing the love of Jesus.
Truth be told I didn't think I would ever be able to leave the USA. Through out my life whenever I would plan on a trip to South America, Europe, or Asia something would come up where I would have to cancel the trip at the last minute. So for the longest time in the back of my head I was waiting for that curve ball to cancel this trip. Thanks to God that never came up! Though it did come close.
A few weeks ago I sold some stocks to cover the cost of my trip. Then I waited for the check to arrive. A week went by and I started thinking "where's my check?" Then on a Friday I get a text from Pastor Carlos saying he needs the money by Monday. I check my my investment firm to see if they had sent the check. Come to find out they never sent it they just sold the shares and deposited the money in a cash account. Eek!! I needed that money now. I had to think of how to get cash and fast. I realized I could do a few things. One I could go to the bank and get a loan. Two find someone who would give or loan me the amount needed. or three take a cash dispersant from my credit card. I first tried the second idea but was not able to get any help that way. So I decided next to go to the bank the next day (Saturday) and pray for the best.
After work (Saturday) I headed to the bank hoping that it would still be open. I entered the bank and waited to be seen. I was a little nervous because I wasn't sure if I could even get the loan at the last minute. I had a fraud alert on my accounts that may or may not stop me from getting a loan. It took about 30 minutes to get anywhere. There were several double checks. The banker had to talk to her boss. Then they had to make a phone call. Then I had to wait on the under righters. I had been there for so long that she had to start taking the appointments. Natalie said that she would call me before the day was out so I could come back and sign papers. I left and got lunch. Just after I prayed for lunch she called with good news. I got the loan I just have to come back over and sign the papers. I was able to get the loan that day and pay for the trip. So Praise God for allowing all this to take place
Even at the last minute God is making things happen.
I want to keep writing but I'm not sure what else to write about at this time. I am just really excited to be going and serving God. I hope I am bringing all I need. Even if I don't I know God will provide.
Please keep myself, Brian and the whole mission tip in your thoughts and prayers.
God Bless
