Sunday, May 16, 2010

Thank You!

Hello once again everyone,

I have a very exciting announcement to make... *drum roll* ... I have raised all of my project expense money! This means that the cost of boot camp, my time at the base in Zambia, food, and the air fare in between Florida and Zambia is paid for. While I am so thankful to the Lord Jesus for providing so graciously for me, I am not done yet. There is still the cost of a plane ticket from here to Florida, and back at the end of the summer. Countless other items also need to be purchased for this journey of a lifetime. Therefore, I covet your continued prayers as I keep preparing for my trip.

My deepest gratitude is extended to those who contributed financially and helped me to get to this point. Thank you also to those who are keeping me in your prayers, I appreciate it more than you may ever know. God bless you until my next update!

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Him Who Strengthens

As the beginning of my journey draws nearer I become more and more excited. The fact that I am going to be away from all the comforts of home, and companionship of my family for almost two months hasn't quite hit me yet. I begin to wonder what will happen when it does. Will I be challenged, and ready to brave the adventure, or will I shrink in fear asking myself, "What on earth did I get into?"

I hope that whatever my reaction when that realization hits me, whether it be on the plane to Florida, or on the first night I sleep in a tent, that I will cling to Christ knowing that, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."

Thank you all for your continued prayers and support.

Saturday, May 1, 2010

My First Miracle

Travel to a foreign country requires many immunizations. I was dreading the thought of having to get 10-12 shots, but when my Mom and I learned that each shot would cost between $75 and $100 the fear of shots became nothing in comparison to the great shock of paying over $1,000 out of pocket that we didn't have. My Mom called my doctor asking if there was any way that insurance would cover it, or if there was anywhere we could go and pay less. The doctor explained that insurance rarely covers travel vaccinations, but she did recommend that we visit the public health clinic in order to pay less. We headed to the clinic, expecting mile long lines, but prepared to wait for shots that could cost up to $75 less.

When we arrived we filled out some paper work, and turned it in to the receptionist. My Mom asked how much exactly the immunizations would cost; when the woman said, "Ten dollars." my Mom looked very happy, it was even less than we had expected. But the woman continued, "Yes, just $10, no matter how many shots." she said. We literally had to keep ourselves from jumping up and down!

Thank you to all those that I asked to pray before my Mom and I left that morning. I asked you to pray for a miracle, and honestly, I was skeptical that I would actually receive one. But the Lord is faithful to all who call upon him, and I saw the first miracle of my trip. At the end of the day my arms were sore (and still are) from eight shots, but we didn't pay even close to $1,000.

What to Pray For

Most of you know that I am preparing to leave for Africa in about two months. I sent this as an email to my "official" prayer partners, and am now sharing it with you so that you can pray for me as well. Thank you so much!

Dear Prayer Partners,

Thank you so much for praying for me as I prepare for this trip to Africa. The Lord has blessed me by providing some of my funds already, but I leave in less than 7 weeks and am still $3,000 short (not counting extra personal expenses like supplies and immunizations). Please pray for several things.

1. That the Lord would give me his all-surpassing peace as I prepare for this trip, and the confidence that he is sovereign and will provide for me.

2. That the Lord will provide the sufficient finances for my trip. Our God is a big God, and I want to ask you to pray that he will not only cover the $3,000 that I am lacking, but that he will also provide funds for all my personal expenses.

3. That the Lord will keep both me and my team safe and healthy as we travel to Zambia.

4. That we will efficiently work together as a team, and that we will grow in love for each other.

5. And finally that God would receive all the glory for all that is accomplished on this trip, and that we will give thanks in all things.

Again, thank you for your partnership in prayer. James 5:16 says that, "The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."

In Christ Alone,
Miss Elsie Anne