Set ...

Well, seven of the last nine days, I have mostly spent my time hanging out with friends in London and generally relaxing. Jennyfaire invaded my room this past week, and we had a great time catching up.

Now I am packing and running here and there purchasing culturally acceptable clothes (long skirts) and various supplies. It seems that everything is in order now, finances, prayer team, flights, travel insurance, meds, Bibles ... There was a little drama with the Bibles. A couple weeks back, my friend's father offered to purchase some for me (and gave me tips on how to acquire some in Ghana that are written in the language of the people) and the same day, they were shipped from the Bible League in Burlington. When they didn't arrive on Thursday, I called the Bible League and discovered that my apartment number was not included in the address. What's worse is that the package had not been returned to the Bible League which basically meant that the package was lost somewhere in real reality and I had one day to find it. After a quick consultation with my trusty, mailman friend, I went to my local post office. Hallelujah! The package was there and had been for about two weeks. The post office sent me two notices of its presence there, but clearly, without my full address, the notices never reached me. Had I waited a few more hours to check at the post office, the package would not have been there.

In two days, I pop my first mefloquine pill (malaria prophylaxis), that means I'll be in Ghana in nine days. I'm quite excited. In the meantime, I look forward to the training in Toronto. I am going on this trip alone, but I'll be training with eight others who are preparing for short term missions in various countries. It ought to be a great opportunity for fellowship with like minds, encouragement, refinement, and growthful reflection.

I am currently suffering from flu-like symptoms which are not good travelling companions. Please pray with me that I recover fully within the week. Please thank God with me for this opportunity to serve in Ghana and for way plans are coming together.

Thanks for reading ~*

Postscript: I realize that "growthful" is not a word, but I can't think of the actual word I want. I heard this non-word two years ago and still have not thought of a synonym that is in the dictionary. I am open to suggestions.

Ready ...

Preparations have started for my departure. Last week, I had two vaccinations (fortunately, others are still good from my previous trip) which put my arm out of commission for two days. My deltoid was in severe pain.

I am grateful to all of my supporters for their enthusiasm in praying and donating. School is getting busy and stressful, so they are one source of encouragement for me. Please continue to pray for me as I prepare physically, emotionally and spiritually. I have a lot of business to take care of now for when school resumes in September.

A few weeks back, I was walking home from the grocery store, heavy-laden with groceries. About ten minutes into the walk, I grumbled to myself, thinking that a car would be handy right about then. I had to stop myself from complaining and thank God that I had good food to eat and a healthy body that could handle that much exertion. Sometime later I started singing a Toby Mac song, "Made to love" but stopped at the line: anything I would give up for You / everything I give it all away. I didn't think I was able to give up my health. The following was my basic train of thought: I wouldn't be able to do all the fun stuff I enjoy now if I weren't healthy ---> what if I get bitten by a snake or something in Ghana? ---> what if I contract meningitis or something and have all my limbs cut off? ---> maybe I shouldn't go to Ghana ---> et cetera ---> now wait just a minute! ---> I can get sick and/or disabled in the comfort of my own apartment ---> anywhere for that matter ---> "do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" Philippians 4:6-7 ---> "but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength ..." Isaiah 40:31 ---> OK, I'm going to Ghana to serve God!

I heard a woman from Serbia speaking two weeks ago about the very same thing, finding security in God or in herself and familiar circumstances. I gave her a hearty "amen" and was further encouraged step out in faith rather than hold back in fear. I am very excited about my trip but I am not in my usual freak-out mode. With a clear head, I can better continue with all the preparations I mentioned earlier.

Thanks for reading ~*