This week was full of unpacking, organizing, learning, trying new foods, and entering into a different culture. There is an incredible team of missionaries here that will be mentoring and training us as we begin to adjust. On Wednesday we got to move into our apartment, experience our first Malian grocery store, and each of us got to pick material for a new bag to be made. When I chose my material, the man said that it was from the Puel Nomadic Tribe, which was actually the tribe that he was from. After telling me this, he proceeded to call me his sister. I cannot begin to express how much joy this has brought me. It was my first time feeling like I was strangely making my way into the culture, and more importantly into the hearts of people.  It's rather difficult to not be able to speak French or Bambara, but I have been practicing the few words and greetings that I know. Our official Bambara classes will begin next week, as well as our official weekly schedule. Amongst all of my emotions and missing home, the Lord is faithful. I have questioned myself a hundred times and over again this week about why I allowed myself to do this. I honestly feel foolish. But, that doesn't earase the fact that this is what God has called me to do. And because this is what He has called me to do, He will help me to love it here. The lesson taught by Mr. Faouzi, a former Muslim who is now a missionary to the muslims, was about Credibility. Although, not credibility as in what we are authorized to do. He stated that character was your greatest credibilty. That is my goal for the next year, and I'm sure that the Lord has alot planned to help me out with that. I will rejoice.

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.

It is rather exciting that exactly one month from this day, I will step onto a plane and my life will forever be different. There is still so much to be done. I still need monthly support. I feel rather unprepared. I can only pray that the Lord is in some way preparing me although I feel so far from it. My heart is torn and at the same time leaping with joy. Jesus is my Sustainer, my Creator, my Provider, my Lover.. And He will only continue to become more to me. I am so stoked to allow Him to complete every part of who I am. He is sufficient.

"I am El Shaddai. Walk before me and be perfect." -Genesis 17:1

http://christalivechurch.com/Ministries/ArielAfricaMissions/tabid/86/Default.aspx

I am completely overwhelmed right now. My God is such a good provider. I am still trying to wrap my brain around the fact that this man and his precious wife who have been raising millions upon millions of dollars to build Bible schools in Africa would even think of me and on top of that send me money for my trip next year. God is so, so good to me. All in one day I have received money from a man who is much greater than I, and from a small child at church. Size is of no matter. They both mean equally as much to me. Im so grateful. God is able to do above all that I could ever think, hope, or even ask for. I serve a creative God.

It is time for things to start happening and I feel very far behind. Along with all of the monthly support and prayer that I need.. I simply just have lots to do. I know that the Lord is my maker, my provider, and my purpose fulfiller. Through Him I am more than a conqueror and I cannot wait to look back on these moments and wonder why I ever worried. I am in the hands of the one who formed me.. I am trusting. I need His help. I need your help.

And He is Faithful

  "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you  not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"

Matthew 6:25-27

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For reasons that reason cannot understand I am overwhelmed and filled with joy at the fact that my arrival in Mali is coming ever so swiftly. I am only four months away from the experience that will forever change the way that I live and breathe. I am so excited for all that God is doing in me as He prepares my heart for what is to come. Trusting in Him as my provider is something that I daily have to remember. It is coming to be time where money is due, and plans are actually starting to be made. Every day I stretch my brain out to try and think of a new way that I can raise funds as I am now actually going to have to support myself. I treasure every moment of thoughts as I see faces in my mind of the Men, Women, and Children that I will shortly be in contact with and be able to share the love of Jesus with.  "For those who lose their life for my sake, will find it." That is my desire. To be entirely given over to the Lover of my soul even unto death. I pray that the Lord would use me beyond my own measure and bring others into the salvation that He so freely and abundantly gives.