Preparation and Prayer

It's April 1st- no joke, and sadly I've yet to play a prank on anyone. In roughly 3 months my bags will be packed and I will say goodbye to the good ole' US of A and head towards the unknown in Maputo, Mozambique. I've never been so grateful for a television show than I was a few weeks ago when the Amazing Race traveled to Maputo and I got a sneak peak at the city. I was somewhat annoyed that the cameras for some silly reason, kept following the contestants and didn't show as much of the city as I would like to have seen, but it was still a blessing to see the city and some of the people and culture. I was intrigued when the contestants had to work with giant trained rats as they sniffed for land mines. Mozambique was plagued by civil war in the past, yes mom, in the PAST which does mean however, that there are areas with land mines- but have no fear- the mine-sniffing rats are here! Honestly, I'm not sure what freaks me out more, rats or land mines... I've got some toughening up to do fast!

With 3 months before departure, I have some pretty ambitious goals such as "become fluent in Portuguese." I confess I'm kind of hoping for some divine intervention in that area.

Goal # 2: "raise enough money to survive for one year without a salary." This sounds so bizarre to my non-Christian colleagues and I admit that at times it sounds bizarre and frightening to me.

Goal # 3: "learn how to cook." I'm fearful they don't sell the delicious Hot Pockets in Maputo- a girl can only dream.

Goal # 4 "study the history and culture of Mozambique." My students may start to wonder why all of sudden we are learning about this country in South Africa that few people ever hear about and many confuse with the now famous "Madagascar."

I've been asked many times now how I'm feeling about leaving. There are so many things I will miss about America (mainly my family and friends) but I am so eager to start this new chapter in my life and see what plans He has in store for me. So in response to the question, "how are you feeling?" My response has always been an oh-so-insightful and articulate, "I'm really excited." dopey grin. Perhaps I am naive and should be more frightened than I am and I have been accused of being a "Pollyanna" but hey, I loved Pollyanna. (Does anyone else fantasize about that giant piece of cake she ate at the bizarre?) I do however recognize the desperate need for prayer as I prepare for this journey.

Here are things I'm praying for right now and would REALLY appreciate prayer for from you as well:

1- That God would go before me and prepare the way. I love the verse Psalm 139: 5 that says, "You hem me in-behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me." Knowing that God is already in Maputo and knows exactly where I'll be is so comforting.

2- That God would provide me with the strength, knowledge, patience, endurance, and flexibility which I will be needing. As I seek Him daily, that I would be very open to His word and what He has to teach me.

3- That I would be able to raise the necessary funds and not stress out about it. (I tend to break out when I stress out which only exasperates the stressing.) God is such a great provider but I fear that being blessed with such abundance, I have not fully acknowledged how much He truly has been providing for me and my family. It has become too easy to rely on my own strength and think that I am taking care of myself and lose sight of the fact that He has provided the job and I am reliant on Him. Having to raise support for a year is a challenge that I have never faced before but I am excited to learn to totally rely on Him. Before I can leave I must have 75% of my goal raised.

I apologize for the length of this post but if you think this is long, just wait til I'm actually in Mozambique! Hence the reason, I've chosen a blog rather than mass e-mails. Feel free to skim- I am not offended and will never know:)

Thank you so much for supporting me in whatever way you do! I truly appreciate it!

Blessings,

Katie