remembering last year

Hey everyone,

I am sitting here on Christmas Eve thinking about last year. I remember driving to my brothers house on Christmas Eve. It was a cold day in Virginia and my thoughts began to wander. How was I going to get to PNG? I only had 52% of my monthly support raised and my departure was getting WAY too close. The drive was long giving me plenty of time to think...not sure if that is a good thing or not. I decided I would enjoy the holidays and take what came. If I did not make my "faith amount" by the 26th (I believe that was the date I set) then I would try to attend a training that began in January. I drove my station wagon on the smooth roads (I did not appreciate that then, but now driving on pot-hole roads, I do) and prayed that God would give me a nice holiday with the family and would give me peace, even if my support did not come in.

A little ways into the trip I got a phone call from a friend. She explained that her father wanted to support me and if I needed any more support, other members of her family would be willing to support me. I sat there astounded by God's grace. She gave me her fathers number and I called him. His pledge gave me hope. When I arrived at my brothers my head was spinning. Maybe I WOULD be going to PNG after all. Although I was happy about the prospect all the things that had to be done were filling my mind. I decided to go online and see if anyone else had committed to partner with me. To my surprise two more people had pledged, bumping me to 100%. By noon on Christmas Eve 2010 I had 100% of my support! Praise GOD!

WOW! Thinking back on that Christmas Eve still gives me goosebumps! From 52% to 100% in 7 hours! Why do I ever doubt that God is in control?

This Christmas Eve has proven to be a much more relaxing day and certainly less stressful. I am thankful that I do not have to think about packing, shipping, goodbyes, passports, visas, and all the "lasts" that I had to do. I have held my 1 week old niece and snuggled my 4 and 3 year old niece and nephew. I've had my coffee and I am thinking about going swimming!

Thank you to everyone who has made this possible. God is a good God! He knows our needs and he is faithful. Merry Christmas to all of you and a happy and blessed New Year!