He met me!

I did not have access to the Internet while I was gone so I took the old fashioned pen and paper route to capture my thoughts. Now that I am home all of 24 hours, I have just begun to process all that happened; all that I was a part of; and everywhere we went. What speaks to me is that I hope that I ministered to those wonderful people as much as they ministered to me. God met me in the middle of Botswana in those outside villages of Mosojane and Tutume. He met me out on the dirt roads, in the smiling faces of the children and the tired faces of the men and women. He met me in the marketplace, in the schools and on the roads. I am so thankful that He met me because that means He is there for others too!

The beauty and simplicity of life in the villages captured my heart and convicted me in many ways too! These people have tough lives and work very hard for the little that they have yet they know about Jesus. Their children are granted first rate education at the expense of the government and Jesus is welcomed and not run off at these institutions. All people, both young and old, clamour to watch puppets, sing songs and hear the Word of God spoken in public forums. What got me most was the desire to receive a Bible and how those that received them, clutched the book to their chest like it was a precious gem. In converse, I have so many Bibles but do not treat them with the respect that is due.

I feel a change about my outlook on life and I pray that it doesn't calm in time with the "out-of-sight = out-of-mind" mentality that is so prevalent. I walked away not wanting to change those people or give them more material goods, yet I want to emulate their desire and hunger for the Word and pursuit of Jesus. I want to emulate their happiness with the little things in life like a hat or a piece of candy. The life I lead is not one in which I truly trust God in all that I do if I am honest. There is a certain expectation that I have for how my life should be and how it should look but in reality, I could do more with less. Not that I am saying I want to trade my life for anything in this world, I just want to incorporate more of Jesus and His spirit that met me on the dry, dusty roads of Botswana. Knowing that should I make this change, God will meet me here too right in the middle of the suburbs. How about you?? Are you ready to meet Jesus where you are?

I will try to decipher my handwriting from my journal and post day to day activities of my trip!! If nothing else, a synopsis and highlights from the trip and put them on line for all to read. Photos coming soon!

Lucky Bags!!!

I can't believe it's already Saturday night here in Gaborone. It feels like I just left home in so many ways, yet feels like forever. In reality, it seems like one long day since I really didn't sleep much on the plane. Haven't done anything "mission-like" yet -- just traveling. The cultures are different and it is really odd to see so many passport control areas and customs officials just stopping people.

My trip started easy enough with my loving family taking me to the Tampa airport near noon. They walked me in, basically because I had so much luggage and couldn't do it myself. I checked in but was told that my flight was delayed due to bad thunderstorms in Atlanta. They were kind enough to put me on a earlier flight, that itself was 2 hours late leaving from the gate. At least they waited for me...heehee.. Anyway, got on this flight and while in route to Atlanta about the time to start our descent, the airport closed to incoming and outgoing flights. So, we were diverted to Columbia SC for refueling. We did not deplane but were there close to an hour. Once we arrived in Atlanta, it was 645pm. I was sure that my flight to Johannesburg would be delayed so I didn't sweat it much. I had to go to the farthest terminal away from the one I deplaned in. I arrived at 7pm which isn't bad but this was when they started the boarding for my 745pm flight. I was one of the last ones to board because of my zone, so they had no room for my carry-on luggage. So, my luggage was lucky enough to fly first class while I ventured into the "economy" section.

The Johannesburg flight was fine. They took really good care of us. I got to watch first run movies and one of my favorites, I LOVE LUCY! They fed us really well. I was given the exit row with lots of leg room. Can't complain about the flight but I was uncharacteristically unable to sleep even with the help of Tylenol PM and Dramamine. But, I really wasn't that tired. I was able to read, pray and just veg. We landed in Johannesburg and let me tell you, that was kind of intimidating with all the security. While waiting for our next flight one of the team spotted Michael W. Smith waiting at the gate next to us in line to board another flight. He didn't look like Michael to me.. but I have only seen him on TV and videos. He didn't have his hair "done"and boy does he look young in person. We went over and talked with him. I have a photo of him and the team leader. He was getting ready to board and I didn't want to hold him up asking for a shot with me. (so, you'll have to deal with the one I got.... I guess I can always photo shop myself in since I was there, just not right next to him.)

We arrived in Johannesburg and after filling out all the paperwork for immigration, it was time to go pick up my bags. But, low and behold no bags. Upon closer research, my little ol' bags were still in Atlanta. How's that for a fine how-do-you-do....2 bags stayed home and 1 road in first class and I went waaaahhh waaahhhh all the way home!! Nah, not really. I didn't cry. We actually ran into another group on the plane that was heading to do mission work here with a different organization. One of the ladies gave me PJs and clothes to wear to church in the AM. I do have my makeup, Bible and meds with me so I am okay. I can always get more clothes and stuff.

So, as it stands my bags will be making a solo flight here sometime on Monday to be returned to me. I sure hope they luck out like my carry-on bags did and travel in style.

That's it for update DAY 1. Don't know when/if I will have access again but please keep praying. I know God is going to make this a great week. I am kind of amused by the whole luggage thing and understand it's just another way for Satan to try to distract me.. Oh well, I am sure he'll try something else tomorrow. It's also night-night for me -- it's 430p back home and it's 1030pm here. I think I will try the Tylenol PM again and hopefully the exhaustion will overtake me and I will go to sleep. Hopefully, I won't dream about my luggage but then again, you never know. Sweet dreams all!

Stepping out -- WAY out!

Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. Isaiah 6:8 (NIV)

I am about to embark on a calling that is WAAAYYYYY outside my comfort zone and it all began about 2 years ago. During that time of our life, Hubby's job was full of uncertainty and we cringed with each phone call from his boss, thinking is surely the time he would be laid off. Hubby was really searching and trying to determine what God wanted him to do at this point in his career. Consequently, Hubby started to discuss with me his wondering if the Lord was calling our family to full-time missions as an occupation. I must say that I was not on the same page. I was exactly where I wanted to be -- son in preschool, working heavily with the women's ministry at church, leading Bible studies and so on. I told him I did not feel that calling on my life at this point and suggested we continue to pray on it. A little while after our discussion I was sharing with the women's Bible study class that I was leading on Tuesday night that our family needed prayer as Hubby was trying to discern if the Lord was calling us to missions. I jokingly said -- "girls -- who knows, I may end up in Botswana." Why, I said Botswana -- I don't know. I can honestly say I didn't and still don't know that much about the country. I only edknew it was in Africa and a really long way from where I called home. Suffice it to say, we were not being called at that time in our lives to full-time ministry but God did perk our interest and opened our eyes to mission opportunities. I continued to say that if I went on a mission trip, it would be to Botswana. For me, it seemed safe because -- well, our church had never sponsored or promoted any trips to Botswana to this point. At our subsequent missions conferences, I spent time talking with missionaries that spent time in Africa and other places around the globe including my own backyard. I was completely amazed at how they stepped out for the Lord. Surely, I could never do that! All of that changed this past October, a missionary group our church sponsors was in town for the missions conference. I talked with them about their work and told them that I was supposed to go to Botswana. Ironically (or more like a "God-thing"), they were heading to Botswana immediately after our conference for a church-plant. UH-OH --I thought-- because now I may truly be committed!! But, to be honest, I was not upset or scared but a thrill went through me and I just wanted to hear more. I continued to check the missionary website and no updates for Botswana and then one day I noticed a trip was posted. However, then I started to question "does God really want me to go" or "do I just want to go." I then started making excuses of not having enough time to get ready, needing shots, needing to be home with my son, etc.... I put it in the back of mind but God kept bringing it to the forefront. Then the confirmation and so-called SMACK in the head was two Sundays ago at church. They published a mission trip offering list in our bulletin and wouldn't you know it -- Botswana was listed. It was the very same trip that I had talked myself out of a month prior. While the pastor was preaching (sorry Pastor David) -- I kept looking at the trip and nudged Hubby in the ribs -- saying "I am supposed to go to Botswana." He looked at me and said "pay attention!" I know he meant to the Pastor but in my spirit I knew God meant it to mean to His calling!! I am paying attention Lord!! I am heading to Botswana May 21st of this year!! Please check back as I will be posting how God has continued to confirm this decision for me; make a way financially and the overwhelming PEACE He has given me to step out on faith! Follow me if you please on my journey to step out of my comfort zone and follow God!! You can do so via email or just bookmark to check back often!! I would appreciate your prayers during my journey! Thank you Father for Your calling. I thank You for speaking to my spirit and allowing me to get a glimpse into Your heart for those half-way around the globe. Thank You for the peace that has overtaken me because left to my own thoughts and feelings I would be paralyzed at this point. I pray that You guide and direct me and allow this to be for You and Your glory alone. In the Name of Your Precious Son Jesus - AMEN!