The best laid plans...

When you are planning a trip out of the country there are many things to do and then there are many things to do...From day one when I decided to consider this trip, I was in prayer, asking God if a trip to Africa was something I should be doing at this time.  We were barely settled in Alaska, I had been given a huge reduction in my work hours, our brand new grand baby had arrived...so many circumstances that looked so much like reasons NOT to go, but my heart was hearing the call from God to go.

So number one on the list of things to do, is seek God and be at peace with Him about the decision.

Number two, keep praying. Everyday, seek God about every detail. Every detail? Yep Every detail.  In May when I decided that I had a peace about going, I really stopped specifically seeking Him.  I bought my airline ticket, without much prayer. I was hoping God was in it but I wasn't diligent about communicating with Him.

It is so difficult to remind yourself to pray specifically when you know how things work, when you've done it before and you really do have the know how.  But that is just exactly what the enemy wants, your self confidence can be deceiving.  And that is exactly what I did, I ran ahead of Him and expected him to tag along.  How presumptuous! Months passed by as I kept planning and making decisions on my own.

Finally, when push came to shove and I hadn't received the needed financial support I woke up.  One day in church, a woman brought us a Word from God. She said that God was saying He had everything we needed, that we should just come to Him and ask for what we needed. I heard Him loud and clear, I hadn't asked Him for any help, I had just bounded ahead, on my own, never asking Him !!  Yeah, I had asked 'if" I should go but that was it.

So, I began step number 2, daily specific prayer. The Peace that passes understanding has been the result.

Number three, make a plan. Decide on the program, what will we do at our destination? And PRAY!

With the team, we decided on the program, and designated the assignments. Meetings are a necessary part and the team met and prayed for God to guide our planning. And trust that God will show the way and provide the answers. He did, a great plan came together!

Number 4, keep praying, and start considering the logistics; check all the lists, make sure all medicines and immunizations are up to date.  Make sure your ticket, passport, finances are in order.  Oh and did I mention, after the serious repentance for leaving God in the dust back at step number 2, I sent out more fundraising letters and grant requests.  And Wow! the funds came in and the required amount was met and exceeded! People began to express interest in the mission and I was even asked to share about the cause.

Number 5, calculate the luggage/packing.  And oh no! I went on automatic and forgot to pray.

So back to my knees again and I'll be on to step 6.... see you later.