I have indeed arrived safely in Mali. The Lord's grace truly is sufficient as He proved Himself many times during our big adventure to the city of Bamako. We were presented to the church here this morning, and were received with all the love and kindness that one could possibly hope for. We get a sneak peak at our apartment tonight, after a cookout with some fellow missionaries. I really, really miss home.. But, I'm sure its just a matter of time before this place becomes home. 

“So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. ²⁷ What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. ²⁸ Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. ²⁹ Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.^[b] 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. ³¹ So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

See? My Bible says so. Right there. As clear as the sun and the moon in the sky.. As clear as the distinction from night to day. My Bible says so. I suppose that because I received what was really the first bit of opposition that I have had in regard to my move to Africa, it hit me rather hard. Not because I for even a second questioned whether or not this was what God wanted me to do. But, because I honestly questioned whether or not I have it in me to complete, or at least try to complete what God has asked of me. But ya know what? I don’t have to have it in me.  It’s really as simple as that. I’m not going to pretend like I’m just excited and cannot wait to leave. I actually get sick to my stomach just thinking about it, and spend more time crying than I do breathing. However, it’s not even because I don’t want to go. I do. I’m just scared. Yes, scared. Scared to death, actually. That’s just me being bare faced. Emotionally naked. I’m just so glad right now that God, through His word, speaks specifically to my fear. I have nothing to fear. My Bible says to fear God more than man, actually. Fear what I embrace more than anything? Thats a concept and a whole other day of thinking in itself.  It’s hard to have a holy and healthy fear of God. I’ll work on that tomorrow. Right now, I am hugging the fact that He says not to be afraid. He opened up my chest and just poured those words in and displaced all of my worry. I am sacrificing my comfort of fear, for peace. Pretty sweet trade. And I’ll be honest again.. I have to work at replacing my comfortable discomfort with the word of God. That’s like a part time job. But, He’s faithful. And I guess that that is really all that I am trying to say with this massive paragraph of words. He is faithful. That’s it.

God is such an incredible Provider. He is pouring out so much that it's really hard to even believe it. My departure date is ever so quickly approaching. A mixture of nerves, excitement, and a tub full of other emotions are bubbling inside of me. God's promises are true. He is my portion. I am thrilled today to be able to say that in only eighteen days I will be in my precious Mali. I remind myself daily that God is faithful. "I believe, but help my unbelief." All that Jesus needs is a tiny seed of faith in order to be able to work in my life. That, and honesty in the moments where I really do not believe Him in the way that I should. Let's go.