The Decision

[My Zebra buddy. She is so cool.]

It was a Monday evening (April 7) when my Sunday school teacher told my sister of a missions opportunity. To go to Mozambique Africa and work with a ministry to Orphans. My sister immediately told me, knowing that I was praying about such an opportunity and it sounded 'right up my alley'. I was interested so first thing on Tuesday morning I emailed the missionary. She emailed me back within 30 minutes. I did a preliminary phone call with her state-side secretary and then spoke with the missionary later that night. As soon as I started talking to her on the phone I felt like I knew her. I was so impressed by her commitment to serve God. She really loves God. I do and I want to love Him like that. After 5 minutes of our conversation, I felt a peace and felt like this is where I was supposed to be. I don't know how to explain that feeling.
 She asked when I could come and how long I would need to make a decision. I asked when they wanted someone--she said May 26, that is 7 weeks away. I asked if I could have a few days to pray about it. I said I would give her an answer by Friday. After praying and feeling an overwhelming peace, I gave her an answer on Thursday (after reading the book she wrote because my mother wanted me to know what I was getting myself into). I will go. 
On Friday I had a plane ticket. And six weeks to spend with my family and to wrap up my affairs for a year.

[My beautiful family. I am incredibly grateful for their love & support.]

I am in awe of how God answers prayer. I often have wondered why my prayers were going up but not being answered. Thought it wasn't fair how everyone else's prayers get answered. And now I can see how beautifully He answered those prayers and completely. He loves ME, He listens to ME. Sometimes His timetable is different than mine. And so now, coming out of this period of two years of waiting for what was next, it all makes sense. 
I would encourage you all to pray. Tell Him the desires of your heart. If it is something that is not against His character, ask Him. He won't say yes to everything, but when He does say yes, it is incredible to be reminded that He does desire good for us. And that He knows you. As only He can. He gave you those desires, and He wants to fulfill them. The waiting can be hard and long, but He is good.  

"No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you." Joshua 1:5.  

If you want to read Brenda's book, I highly recommend it. And then you will get a taste of what I will get to be a part of! Click here to order the book.