Well, 2013 went by fast, and we're almost done with 2 months in 2014! Here are highlights from last year:
* Wrote a Master's thesis
* Graduated with my MA
* Started teaching English (grammar and reading/vocabulary) to international students
* Went to the School of Power and Love.... 4 times.
* Got blown away by God.... pretty much weekly from July on.
* Unexpectedly decided to apply to a couple discipleship and missions schools... in Africa.
The year was so full and definitely "beyond what I could ever ask or think" that even though it went by fast, it feels like it was 3 years long!
God has rekindled my desire for everyone to hear about Jesus and know how amazing He is. I want to see Him heal the sick and set people free. And while I've always wanted to adopt, He also expanded that desire to something bigger -- being part of caring for many orphans in the nations. I was accepted to both schools that I applied for, and will be in Africa most of the time from March 11 - August 25, largely in South Africa and Mozambique. One of the opportunities I'll have is living on a "children's village" with over 5000, which also has a school! I'm so excited about being with the kiddos, seeing what they're doing in the children's village, and learning as much as I can in every way. I know God is going to do amazing things in and through me!
So I've been working hard to get ready to go, and get ready to leave. I've put in my resignation notice at work and put my house on the market, which sold in a week! Thank You, Lord! I'm coming to my last week in California before going to my parents' house in Omaha, then taking off for Africa. I'd greatly appreciate any and all prayers -- I know they'll support me, and I know I'll need to rely on the Lord and His grace more than I've ever before realized. I am also accepting donations (clicking on the Donate button or give directly to my PayPal account at yediyd@gmail.com) to help cover the cost of the schools, two flights to Africa and back, and necessities for the trip.
Here are my current prayer points:
* That I would get done everything that I need to get done while in California -- paperwork, power of attorneys, moving, finishing up at work and with teaching, selling as much as I can, grace to give away what I may need to give away, and everything else.
* Deciding what to do with my dog, Fresly. I may have a couple options, and need to determine which is best. If I leave him with friends in California, that will be the hardest for me, as I'll have to say good-bye permanently (other than maybe a couple of visits).
* House decisions and finances -- I need so much wisdom! I'm in new territory.
* The road trip from Fresno to Omaha March 1st & 2nd. (24 hours of driving!)
* That I would remember what I'm going for and be excited, and not distracted by the thousand little things I need to take care of!
Thanks so much for your prayers in all of this!
