A woman named Latisse

The other day Mark asked each of us to tell the highlight of the day. My highlight that day was a woman named Latisse. Let me explain. Last summer as we prepared to visit Uganda I discovered these great footlocker type trunks at Wal-mart. They were great for carrying all the goodies we took and they were very useful once we got to the orphanage as well. So a month ago I went to Walmart to buy the same trunks only to be told that that item is seasonal, sold only during the back-to-school season. The last month has been spent looking for the same type of trunks to no avail! The other day I tried several options and after only speaking to one rude person and many voice recordings on the phone, I decided to call my local Wal-mart. I asked to speak to the manager or the person in charge of purchasing in the housewares dept. They quickly transferred me to a very sweet lady who again informed me that these trunks are only seasonal. After taking a deep breath and a prayer, I said "let me tell you my dilemma." I told how we were moving overseas in May to work in an orphanage and the trunks are the perfect solution for getting many of our things over there and for storage once we get there. She said, "Let me see what I can do." She took my name and number and by the end of the day she had contacted me saying that my trunks would be at the store by this week. Yesterday she called and told me they were at the store! I am continually amazed at how God just keeps providing and tonight I am thankful for a woman named Latisse and so many others that God is using to help us do what He has called us to do!

This picture is of Mark carrying one of the trunks on his head when we were at Good Shepherd's Fold in September.

Fear

My little guy just came out once again afraid to sleep in his bed. He heard scratching; he heard breathing; he is not sleepy; it is too dark. I comfort him and remind him all is okay and find ways to help him with each excuse and fear, trying so hard not to be annoyed. Finally, I let him turn on his radio and he is appeased and satisfied with that concession.
I go in and check 5 minutes later and he is sound asleep. Fear turned to peace.
How often in moments of feeling overwhelmed do I cry out to God with all my fears and excuses not wanting to do what He has called me to do. There aren't good doctors; there are big snakes; I just can't do it; I am already overwhelmed. Although God doesn't turn on the radio; He gives me something. He gives me power, love and a sound mind. II Timothy 1:7
And after I turn to Him and receive that from Him, I rest in His peace. My fear also is turned to peace.
~A

Preparation

There is something glorious about doing what you feel called to do but it is a whole different thing to prepare for those activities. As we watch an athelete run across the finish line or receive a high score on a jump, we focus on that glorious moment. Yet, how often do we look at the many hours of mundane training that goes into those glorious moments? Sure there are moments of praise and joy while training but there are also times of pure agony and lots of work. Here are some examples of joy and agony in our preparation stage of moving to Uganda. We are thrilled with both because, although the joyful times are fun and easy, it is in the times of agony that we learn to truly trust in our heavenly Father!
Some of our joys of preparing for our journey:
The kids getting their passports.
Getting to speak in Sunday School classes, churches and school chapels.
Seeing others get excited about serving the Lord in numerous ways.
The incredible people God has put in our paths to help us as we prepare.
Getting pledges of support.



Some of the agonies of preparing:
The yellow fever and typhoid vaccinations ...and the ordeal that went with getting them!
Time spent in the mundane task of sorting everything into piles to keep, give away or take.
Getting rid of things we like.
Selling our house.