Stepping Out

I'm going to Indonesia! Yep, something stirred in my heart and pushed me right off the mountain top and caused me to say, "Sure, I'll go!" Those of you who know me understand that I DON'T like to travel. It isn't that I don't like to be in different places. I actually love seeing new things and I love being some place other than what I know. I just don't like all the going which includes the flying, the packing and unpacking, the hustle and bustle of getting through the airports, to and fro in cabs, buses, etc. All that movement sets the motion sickness in me to a start. First comes the stress and anxiety. Then comes the feeling overwhelemed and hot. Next comes the nervousness and sweaty palms. Soon after, the dizzy spells and headache comes. Finally, the nauseas with an outpouring of my insides.

At this point, the idea of traveling to the other side of the globe isn't bothering me. I haven't allowed panicky thoughts to stay in my mind for over about 2 or 3 seconds before getting my mind on something else. Perhaps I'm in denial regarding my ability to fly this far and just as I aboard the plane I'll flip out. I sure hope not; that will be one of my prayer request. I do understand that I'll be seated on a plane for like 2-3 hours. Then 14 hours, then 7 and then a couple or a few more - all back to back. In all I think it is something like thirty some odd hours of plane flying. I'll be hopping aboard an approximate 9 seater jet that will land my helpmates and I on Sunset Beach in Aceh.

We will be there to help with disaster relief from the Tsunami several years ago. This particular village in Aceh, Indonesia needs a lot of help. I will be out there supporting a medical team by probably passing out vitamins and offering my help wherever I can. I'll also do something I've learned to enjoy, teaching English to some of the villagers. I'll be hanging out a lot with the local women and learning a lot about their needs; I want to encourage them and just be a light in their gloomy situation. As a team, I think we want mostly to just love on the people and let them know we care.

For now, my stepping out doesn't freak me out, but only excites me for what I know is to come. I know that Gods word teaches that when you step out and seek after Him you WILL see Him; You WILL find Him! My crazy hectic American style life has gotten the best of me. I really am looking forward to this time to get away to have a spiritual awakening and just come alive under Him. I know He is with me here in the States, but I've somehow had a very hard time lately pushing away all the things in my life so that I can hear Him better. I'm excited and anticipating something wonderful. And...something wonderful not just for me, but for the Aceh village people and for my husband and kids waiting on my return at home. It will be neat to watch the Father work. For me, I'm just going to be stepping out towards my Father.

If you'd like to know more about what I'm doing, check out the recent article in our local newspaper by clicking on the link below. If you'd like to help me through prayer or help me financially come up with the rest of the money I'll need (about $700.00) please, please pray about it and give me a call or respong by posting a comment on this blog post. By your helping me to be able to go, I know that God will bless you as you see what great things He will accomplish through your donations.

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2008/dec/26/four-years-ago-today-tsunamis-aftermath-never-an/