My description should read "I am preparing to live in Tanzania for a year" because the reality is I have not arrived yet. While my plan has always been to depart the US sometime early in September I am unsure if that will be true. My journey up until this point has surely been a wild ride, but one that I know has been led by the sovereign hand of God.
I have had a hard time getting started with this blog mostly because I'm not sure how I feel about putting my thoughts out into cyberspace for the whole world to see. However, during this period of my life I want to stay connected to you and share my experiences with you. I want to be able to encourage you with what God is doing in my life and in Tanzania, and selfishly I want and need to be encouraged by you. So please come to the blog often and leave comments. I will keep it updated as much as possible, although my internet access will be limited at times.
As I alluded above I am not yet ready to leave for Africa or even to plan the specifics of my departure. At the present time I am very much in a state of limbo due to the fact that I have not sold my townhouse yet. The other pieces of the puzzle are falling into place but this particular piece remains an obstacle to me at this point. Will you please join me in prayer for this? I know that the Lord has a perfect plan in all of this and if He wants me in Tanzania next month He will provide the way. Right now my struggle is remaining faithful in trusting Him. Please also pray for my financial support, I have come close to my goal but I am not there yet. I am still in need of a few monthly supporters. If you are interested in giving financially please email me and I will send you more details.
Thank you all for your ongoing support, prayers and words of encouragement. I am overwhelmed every time I stop to think about the people in my life. From family and friends to coworkers and church community I have been so blessed and well supported. You are all so important to me. Thank you for being a part of my life!
7 comments:
You're done with that old life. It's like a filthy set of ill-fitting clothes you've stripped off and put in the fire. Now you're dressed in a new wardrobe. Every item of your new way of life is custom-made by the Creator, with his label on it. All the old fashions are now obsolete. Words like Jewish and non-Jewish, religious and irreligious, insider and outsider, uncivilized and uncouth, slave and free, mean nothing. From now on everyone is defined by Christ, everyone is included in Christ.
So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.
Colossians 3 (The Message) 9b-14
We love you and are praying for you! Please keep us posted on things. We'll check back on your blog to see what's new and how we can pray. Love, Justin, Christy and Josiah
It was a pleasure speaking with you this evening. You are now on the top of my prayer list.
I was SO excited to get your letter in the mail yesterday! I can't believe how much your life is changing already! I will certainly be checking your blog a lot, and we look forward to praying with you and for you.
With joy,
Janna :)
Julia,
Things are getting closer to you leaving and I pray that God is providing. So many times in my life God has waited for me to be at the end of my rope and on my knees before He provided. Those times in my life have been so rich. We are praying for you, your trip and the sale of your townhouse.
Jules,
You know we are thrilled for this new adventure. We will miss celebrating the big 30 with you in January (maybe MK and I could meet you in Europe for it!). May God richly bless your time away and send friends to encourage and uphold you in Africa. You know we will be upholding you in prayer here. I love you my friend.
Karen
Hi Julia! I was so pleased to be included in your update...WOW! What can I say other than I am just so proud of you and all that you have accomplished. And now, if the Good Lord willing, you are on another adventure and sounds to be one that could be your most rewarding to date. I have shared your email with nursing faculty and I too will check back in from time to time to catch up on your status. My prayer for you is for God to keep you and your desires in His light. Warmly-Linda
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