Note: These blog entries are taken directly from my journaling over the past two weeks. I have backdated them to reflect the actual dates and times of my writing. And I promise to do a better job of blogging this trip than the one I took in November. Who knows, I might even write about the entire trip this time!?!
DATELINE: August 4, 2010. 6:04 P.M. CST. That’s 2:04 A.M. Gulu time for those of you keeping score at home.
Today, I return to Africa. Technically, I’ll only make it halfway – to Amsterdam – today. I’ll make it to Africa tomorrow. Even in terms of Dallas time.
Regardless, I’m going back! What an honor, a privilege this is!
Last night, I received word that my costs for the trip would be completely covered in time for departure. As of Monday, I still owed almost $500 on my account. I was trying desperately not to worry…but rather to trust…but I admit being a little fearful. Matt was very concerned about the incidental costs: the malaria pills, the supplies (bug spray, snacks, hand wipes and sanitizer), and equipment (backpack & head lamp) I would need for this trip. Dave assured him that we could be reimbursed for some of these expenses.
But there was still the issue of funding. I really wanted to rely on God for HIS provision and not just rest on the overages of other team members. I wanted to pray, to believe that God would raise up supporters to close the gap. With only 36 hours before departure, I desperately wanted to see Him perform a mighty and miraculous act. I was waiting, expectantly, to see what He would do. Would it be a mysterious envelope on our doorstep? Would it be an unexpected check in the mail? Would it be an anonymous donor giving the exact amount on my behalf?
And then the answer came: on Tuesday afternoon, Matt received a phone call informing us that the church would cover our costs.
To be completely honest, I admit feeling a little let down. I had such a sense of nervous anticipation, an uncertain expectancy of what God was going to do. And this answer just seemed “too easy.” It almost seemed like a cop-out. But God wasn’t done yet.
Later that night, I received a phone call from a dear friend informing me that they had $200 extra they wanted to contribute to my funding. As she explained the story, sharing how God had provided above and beyond what they needed, she felt led to offer the money to me and share God’s blessings. Knowing I was at least that much short, and knowing the budget constraints the church is facing, I gladly accepted. Then she continued. They had held a garage sale earlier in the summer as a fund-raising opportunity. Since their costs had been provided for, she wanted to offer the money – in cash – to us to help us during Matt’s unemployment. For whatever. As I later discovered, the money she gave us was the exact amount we needed to pay for my malaria pills. THIS was the answer – no, the miracle – I had been waiting, hoping, praying for!
At that moment God reached down and whispered something in my ear. It didn’t really matter how the funding was provided. What mattered was that it was provided. I owed a huge debt – $495 is a nearly unpayable debt in our current financial state. But someone stepped in and paid that debt for me so I could go on this trip…so I could experience the blessings of serving and ministering in Jesus’ name.
And that realization led me to think about another debt…one that was greater than I could pay, one that I could never hope to get rid of. But Someone stepped in and paid the penalty for that debt. Paid it in full on my behalf so I can enjoy the blessings of life abundant. I was humbled once again by grace…amazing grace…the grace of my sweet friend to cover my financial debt for this trip, but also for the incredible, amazing grace of my God, my Savior, who covered my spiritual debt for eternity.
On a side note, I shared this with our team as we arrived at the airport. I made it quick, as the van was nearing the terminal. Renee’ turned to me and with a huge smile on her face said, “And the van driver got to hear that! You just presented the gospel and the van driver got to hear the whole thing!”
Humbling. More of God’s amazing grace.
Photos of our first steps toward Africa below the fold.
Here we are, van loaded and ready to go. But we needed a picture without our sunglasses on…
…so we took this one. Ain’t we a handsome bunch?
Good thing, ’cause we’ve got a LONG day of flying ahead of us.
Renee’ and I sported our stylish new shoes at security.
So stylish and designed to match any attire!
We made it through security and to the gate. Departure time is close!!
I’m pretty sure Africa isn’t ready for us. They have no idea who they’re letting in to their country.
Served on the KLM flight to Amsterdam.
Three words for you: Not. the. same.
Three more words for you: Not. even. close.
Farewell, my fizzy friend, my sweet nectar of the gods, until we meet again.
I shall miss you greatly but will carry you in my heart until that day I shall return and enjoy your carbonated goodness. And all will be right with the world once more.