Thursday, September 4, 2008

Preparing for Departure

As of yesterday all the necessary funds to return to Colombia are in. Just like that. God amazes me. I almost missed this trip. I missed the meetings, the deadlines, the first puchasing of plane tickets. That we will spend an entire night in the airport between planes, is minor. I'm going.
I have been anticipating the return since I left.

God has provided. On the other hand my work with the agency is drying up. I have been cancelled a lot lately. Not so good when your bills still come in and your paycheck doesn't.
But then, I have to look at what just happened. In less than two weeks the whole cost of this trip was given, including $115 in cash to exchange for pesos while I'm there. Incredible.

This morning when the phone rang at 5 am to tell me not to come to work, I paused. At my bedside is a book,"Moments With the Savior." I picked it up and read. Have you ever wondered why it was a temptation to Christ to change stones to bread? What was the big deal anway?
Didn't he change water into wine? What was wrong with that suggestion?

It's subtle, this trick. Self reliance is such an all American idea. Pick yourself up by your bootstraps and you'll fall flat on your face. Jesus relied on the Father alone. If he would have changed the stones it would have been a self serving act, not an others serving, God glorifying act.
Subtle, but Jesus saw right through it. No. Not that hungry, not even after 40 days.

Could it be that God wants me to take these days to prepare to meet the people once again? To set aside the worries of the present, the hunger for bread, and focus instead on him. Who is waiting? My prayer is that I would not miss even one opportunity, even one pair of eyes. The people are so eager to hear. Why would you come here? America the land of promise and dreams, and Colombia with it's colorful little cement houses, dirty streets, naked children, and crazy drivers. Why American lady would you come to a little village in Colombia? I come to share a story with you of good news, of how a man from Nazereth changed my life.

Today is a good day to pray, to read my Spanish Bible, to fumble with my story cube, and to pray. Would you also pray?

10 comments:

Heidi said...

Praise God!! What a great thing to happen!! God opens our hearts/minds in so many differant ways. Sometimes its hard to see the Son for the clouds.. :)But we know he's there. My granny used to say that all the time...

Kathy said...

Wonderful! Tell more about your trip to Columbia. I am assuming that it is a Church sponsored Mission trip that you have gone on before?
*prayers*

Unknown said...

I have to go find out why you are going to Columbia, but I am very glad God provided the funds!

Laura ~Peach~ said...

Absolutely wonderful and always amazing how God makes things happen!
Do give more details on when ect... Huge hugssss
Many prayers
Laura

Karen Deborah said...

To review about Colombia see Feb 24th last year, What's It All About?
I'll add more details soon.

Chesapeake Bay Woman said...

Prayer request granted. You are so fortunate to be able to go. I can't wait to hear the stories.

Debbie in CA : ) said...

WooHoo and Yip Yip Yippee Yay! God is awesome! Can't blab just now because I've been blogging a bit excessively today (long post). I'm SO excited for you. (I wish ... but He said "no" -- gently but firmly.) Hugs and whoops of celebration! Thank you Lord! : )

Anonymous said...

That's so wonderful and I'm so happy for you.

Grandma Tillie's Bakery said...

How exciting!! Now I can go to Colombia vicariously through you. The Spirit is with you, I know you will accomplish great things for the Kingdom!

Anonymous said...

Oh Karen! I am so excited for you! Praise God!