I procrastinated more... I wrote this four days ago. I have no idea why it didn't post...
Okay, so in the last 4 hours I had two people remind me that I should update my blog. For weeks I have been meaning to get on here and share all the things that have been happening. You know how some people keep a to-do list just to keep from forget things? Well in the last week I finally succumbed and had to write one of those because I'm falling behind in all the little things. I even missed out on a few opportunities because I forgot to make note of them. I also found out that some people I thought I responded to I hadn't. So to all of you I apologize because these are all just excuses and not reasons. The blog is on the list but it wasn't at the top. Now some things are done and it's time.
March was full of events that included packing up my stuff and leaving Arizona to move back to Michigan. In that process I had a week of orientation in Texas. It was an excellent week of meeting the staff and several other missionaries from Commission to Every Nation. In case you don't know they are the non-profit organization I am connected with now and for short they are called CTEN.
My now 20 year old RAV4 made the journey easily from Tucson to San Antonio. The weather in Texas was amazing and so was the company. Hearing from so many people who are on the same Journey answering the call God has placed in their life was a huge blessing. It was also good to meet the couple that will be my pastoral care over the next several years to come. They are of similar age to my parents and have children my age which make them really easy to connect with.
The next leg of the journey included a stopover in Waco, Texas to see the Dr. Pepper museum. It is definitely my drink of choice and I will miss it when I go to the Philippines. The RAV also handled the rest of the ride back to Grand Rapids with relative ease. Upon arrival I was blessed by being given the opportunity to stay on site of the ministry here I have been working with for several years. At first I thought it would just be for a month or two, but the ministry director and I had a conversation and I was encouraged that there is no hurry to find another place. This is the first major provision that I am overflowing with appreciation for.
The next major task was to start looking for a job. It is a tricky situation to try and find a job that you know will be only short-term but you'd like good pay for doing. I was able to apply to several places and feel comfortable about not completely divulging that I'm hoping to only be here for less than a year. Three weeks passed and I heard nothing back from anybody. Thankfully a few people had some projects they were willing to pay me to do in the meantime. Then one day at women's group one of the ladies mentioned a position with a company that I am technically already connected to. I will officially be starting that job in three days. While it is only part time there will be opportunities to pick up more shifts and I am excited to start! This is the second major provision that I am overflowing with appreciation for.
In the process of all of this I was also composing my introductory letter. I hope that you have all received that by now and if not you should let me know because either I don't have your address or it is in the process of coming back to me because I messed up on your address. For some of you that letter is why you are now reading this post. For some of you action has already been taken and that is the third major provision for which I am overflowing with appreciation for. By that I mean prayers are being answered and support raising has officially begun!
In many ways the scariest part about this journey is having to ask for money. God has been showing me just how gracious the people around me are willing to be. Having mailed the letters just over a week ago I have already received support from four different states and every stage of my life. Support has come from places and people I never expected would be able to. As I reflect over each person in my support system I am brought to tears of joy in knowing I have such a great cloud of witnesses around me.
I have so much I could say but this seems to be more than enough for one morning. Transitions are always difficult but as this blog proves, God has been providing for me even when I couldn't see it coming. As I settle into a routine for the next several months I hope to be able to make time for anyone who would like to know more. Be sure to connect with me and we can work something out!
Have an excellent weekend and be sure to thank God for blessing you so you may be a blessing to others!
