Southern Hospitality

We crossed 3 state borders today, and were pleasantly surprised at the "southern hospitality" that we received even at the rest stops. We started off by entering Louisiana, and we were amazed at the amenities of the rest stop/welcome center. We were greeted by friendly and helpful people and given free maps and guidebooks. This scene was repeated in Mississippi and Alabama, where we finally stopped for the night.We discovered a sleepy little Louisiana town near the boarder of Mississippi, and ventured out to where some horses were grazing.


And I got to see the Mississippi river for the very first time.

Western States

After leaving the Grand Canyon, we traveled on through Arizona, New Mexico, and into Texas.One of the many beautiful geological formations that we got to drive by.
The Texas sky before weather.
The beginning of the effects of a low pressure system. We found ourselves in some weather that outperforms any California rainstorm.
We also discovered just how big Texas is...
At the other end, we met up with Nathaniel, the oldest of the "kids" that I taught in Cameroon. He's now a Junior at Le Tourneau University. It was such a treat to share dinner with him and hear about all of his adventures at school.

On the Road

Well, Lindsey and I left today (technically it was yesterday, as I am typing in the wee hours of the morning now), and we took a little detour this afternoon.
Can you guess where we went? Extra points go to the people who correctly respond in the comments section.

SoCal

I got to spend a couple of days in SoCal with some friends. It was so good to see all of them, and I feel so refreshed after our fellowship. Thanks God, for good friends.

Spent

Please pray. I know it may sound petty and unimportant, with all of the tragedies that are happening in our world, but I could use a bit of prayer.
I’ve been in the throes of packing for the last several days. If it were just a matter of moving from one place to another, it would be much easier. However, I am packing to move temporarily to pre-field training, then to language training in Quebec, and then on to live in Cameroon. As a result, I have to sell, give away, and throw away many of my belongings. The constant chore of deciding what to do with each item is exhausting. It is quite taxing emotionally, mentally, and physically to go through this process of transition. I'm spent. Please pray.
I'm leaving tomorrow morning (hopefully) to spend a few days in SoCal before heading to North Carolina. Check back in for travel updates.

Resigned

From Webster:
resign (ri-'zIn) verb
1 : to give up one's office or position
2 : to accept something as inevitable

Well, I've done both. In the words of some friends who are also preparing for the mission field and of Cortez, I have "burned the ships."
Today was my last day as a PHN with San Joaquin County. As I packed up the last of my belongings and said goodbye to some dear friends, I felt a sense of deep peace and satisfaction. It's not that I didn't like my job. Quite the contrary. I loved doing home visits. But, God is directing me to Cameroon, and I am resigned to do exactly that. Oh, what joy comes from being right in the middle of God's will.
Tomorrow is the garage sale that will further seal the deal.

Burn the Ships
Steven Curtis Chapman

In the spring of 1519 a Spanish fleet set sail
Cortez told his sailors this mission must not fail
On the eastern shore of Mexico they landed with great dreams
But the hardships of the new world make them restless and weak
Quietly they whispered, "Let's sail back to the life we knew"
But the one who led them there was saying

Burn the ships, we're here to stay
There's no way we could go back
Now that we've come this far by faith
Burn the ships, we've passed the point of no return
Our life is here
So let the ships burn

In the spring of new beginnings a searching heart set sail
Looking for a new life and a love that would not fail
On the shores of grace and mercy we landed with great joy
But an enemy was waiting to steal, kill, and destroy
Quietly he whispers, "Go back to the life you know"
But the one who led us here is saying

Burn the ships, we're here to stay
There's no way we could go back
Now that we've come this far by faith
Burn the ships, we've passed the point of no return
Our life is here
So let the ships burn

Nobody said it would be easy
But the one who brought us here
Is never gonna leave us alone

Burn the ships, we're here to stay
There's no way we could go back
Now that we've come this far by faith
Burn the ships, we've passed the point of no return
Our life is here
So let the ships burn

By the Grace of God

During a daily Bible study today in Genesis 47:7-10, I was challenged to think of how I would describe my years and who I wish I measured up to. By God’s great grace, I was unable to think of any truthful, long-reaching, negative aspects of the life God gave me. Neither was I able to think of anyone who’s shoes I wish I was in. I certainly see many character flaws in my own life. Likewise, I have seen many attributes of others that I wish to emulate, but that was not the purpose of this exercise. Through this exercise, God showed me how His own hand has been working divinely through every moment of this life, directing me to the things that He has for me to do for His own glory. Sure, there have been moments, even years, in my life that were less than ideal, difficult times that were certainly unwelcome, but God has redeemed each one to His own glory. He’s used them to form me and to bring me even closer to Himself. Praise God for His infinite wisdom and His sovereignty over every moment and every circumstance.

*grace - favor or kindness shown without regard to the worth or merit of the one who receives it and in spite of what that person deserves. Grace is one of the key attributes of God.

*sovereignty of God - a theological term that refers to the unlimited power of God, who has sovereign control over the affairs of nature and history (Is. 45:9–19; Rom. 8:18–39).

*Redeem - to free or deliver, usually by paying a price.

Unexpected Blessings

I've just found out that a former roommate and friend, who I thought would certainly be out of country, is currently living in North Carolina, only 3 1/2 hours from where I will be next month! Wow! That brings the friend tally up to 6 while I am at pre-field training. A few weeks ago, I could have truthfully said that I didn't know anyone in North Carolina. Now I will be in class with two couples that I met last year, and I will have two friends from school to visit. Add that to a visit with my sister in Maryland, a visit to the World Team home office, and a visit with good friends in Pennsylvania, and I have got a full itinerary!!
Thank you Lord for providing so many opportunities to see how well you take care of me.