Exhausting Week!!

This has been a very hard week for me physically as well as emotionally. I started the week off with what I thought was a cold- but when I wasn't feeling better by Wednesday I called the doctor. I'm very glad I made that call! I am now on three medications to clear up a sinus infection (not something I want for the flight!) This explains why I have been so very tired all week. But, I should be feeling much better in the next couple of days. And, as Jim pointed out- it might be beneficial to have the antibiotics in my system for the trip. God's timing is amazing!

Today I was feeling a little better and decided to call the school to find out if they had made any decisions about interviewing for the two teaching positions open for this up coming school year. I spoke with the principal who apologized for the fact I will not be getting an interview. There were over 240 applications submitted for those two openings, and I simply do not have the experience others have. While I respect their decision, I cannot help but be disappointed. In my mind this was the perfect job for me. But, I realize God is in control and must have other plans for my future. I must admit it will be nice to be able to relax once we return from Ghana and not have to begin setting up a classroom. I will continue to sub until I find a permanent teaching position- or until God shows me another path.

Perhaps the most difficult part of the week was saying good bye to Brianna. She is spending time with her dad in Fennimore until I return. This means I will not see her for about a month. This is the most time we have spent apart and I will miss her greatly. Thank goodness for cell phones and computers!!

Now, with all that behind me, I am able to focus on my trip to Ghana and draw closer to God. I may be exhausted, but I am not giving up. By the grace of God I will be healthy and not distracted while in Ghana. I may not understand the things that are happening, but I understand that God is in control and has better plans than I could ever dream of.

One More Week!

In one week from today we will be leaving for Ghana! I can't believe it is almost time to go!! I have spent time packing, and repacking, and shopping for the things I need. I can't help but feel there is something I am forgetting. But, I am leaving it with the Lord and praying he will help me bring everything I will need.

Tomorrow Ruth and I will be getting together to make sure we have everything packed that we will need. We will see how successful we can be at sharing a suitcase and keeping it under 50 pounds. We are lucky enough to be able to wash our clothing while in Accra, Ghana, which makes it easier to pack. We only need to pack 1/2 the amount of clothing we will need.

I cannot wait to see what God has in store for us! I am excited and anxious at the same time. My biggest fear as of right now is the flight. I have never flown before and cannot help but to worry about the flight(s). I know we are in God's hands, and I do find comfort in that fact; however, I cannot help but let the human emotions come through. I'm sure everything will be just fine and I will be able to laugh at my worries once I'm home.

I would like to thank everyone who has helped me get this far (financially and prayerfully). I could not have done this without each and every one of you... and could not continue my preparations to go. Thank you all and may God bless you!!!!!

Almost Ready

Whew! Time is sure flying by fast! I am enjoying teaching summer school, and can't believe this is the last week!! Which also means it is getting very close to the time to leave for Ghana. Where did the time go?

I have gotten all the shots I thought I needed, but decided to to get one more "just in case". Ruth and I were recently informed there have been cases of meningitis reported in Ghana. So..... that means one more shot! I do not want to take any chances of getting sick while in Ghana.

Packing is proving to me a lot more difficult that I ever thought it would be. What do I take? What do I leave behind? Do I want to wear more skirts, or capris? I am packing light so Ruth and I can fit all of our clothes into one suitcase which will give us an extra checked bag to fill with supplies for the McIntyres.

In between packing and teaching I have been working on "perfecting" my teaching portfolio in hopes for an interview. The random Lake School District is officially hiring two teachers in which I am licensed!! I am trying to be patient and lean on God, but I cannot help worrying. I have no choice but to wait for the principal to call and schedule an interview- hopefully before I leave!! I welcome all prayers in this matter, as well as for my strength, humility, and not to mention my sanity as I continue to prepare for my interview and my trip.

God is SO Good!

Tuesday was a busy day for me! I started the morning with blood tests at our local clinic to check my blood sugar and cholesterol levels, ate breakfast in the car on my way to work (teaching 4K), then headed to Sheboygan for the rest of my immunizations. Luckily I have not experienced any side effects from the immunizations. (I seem to have the tendency to be part of the 1% of the population who gets all the strange side effects, so I was worried- but God is so good!)

On Wednesday I returned to the clinic to get the results of my blood tests; for the first time in a year everything came back wonderful! The doctor has taken me off of ALL medications! My blood sugar levels are normal and my cholesterol levels came back less than 1/2 of what they were in December. The doctor was amazed and said she didn't know how I did it. I know how it happened; it was not by my power, but God's. he has given me the strength and will power to change my eating habits. It's amazing the effects of eating a few fruits and veggies instead of junk food can have on your body!

The doctor has given me a clean bill of health! For those of you who do not know how amazing this is for me, let me give you a quick review of my health this past year. June 12, 2009- Nick and I were married; June 19, 2009- emergency gall bladder surgery while on vacation in Oconto Falls (allergic reaction to Vicodin); July 6, 2009- blood clots all the way from right wrist to shoulder due to IV from gall bladder surgery (I was on blood thinners and numerous Dr. visits until December- allergic reaction to 1st blood thinner); December 2009- diagnosed as pre-diabetic and high cholesterol (reaction to medication). As you can imagine, I was afraid to go back to the doctor, and was afraid what would be next! Planning this missions trip to Ghana has been a struggle for me! I can't help but wonder what will happen with my health. But, I feel this is God's plan for me and I cannot ignore God.

It is now time to focus on preparing for my trip. We leave in less than 7 weeks and there is so much to do! First on my list (after prayer) is finding luggage. I have been reading books about Ghana, missions, and the binder from SEND, and I feel I am as prepared as possible. Although, I will continue reading as much as possible before leaving (and possibly take a book with me to read on the long flight).

God is so good!

God is so wonderful! He can do anything!! My faith in Him grows daily as I learn to trust Him with all my needs. It is only Monday and two amazing events have already happened. First of all, I have a summer teaching job that will not interfere with this trip! I will be teaching a 4K class in the same school I am currently subbing. This teaching assignment ends about 1 week before I leave for Africa. What other summer employment could I have that would work so well with my schedule!!



The next wonderful thing that happened was that the principal has given me about three boxes of school supplies for Africa. I have yet to determine if the supplies are needed for the missions I will be working with, but I'm sure God will find a way for me to use the materials in a way that will glorify him! I can't help but think about the guest speaker on Sunday who has served with several missions teams over the years. He told a story of a trip where he brought yarn along when the purpose of the trip was to build a church or school. He didn't know why he brought the yarn, but figured why not. During his trip a woman came forward and explained she knew how to knit, but didn't have any yarn... guess what he gave her? If he hadn't packed it he wouldn't have been able to fill that need. I'm not saying I am expecting this same thing to happen... but what if?



I continue to pray for the wisdom to see God's work and plan for me. I want to follow His plan and not create my own. That is not an easy task!! I like to know all the details and be able to plan accordingly, but I am learning to just go with it at the moment. And, I'm learning that God works in His time, not mine. I want the comfort of knowing I will have a full time teaching job next year, but I am learning to find comfort in what God is providing for me now. I have a lot to find comfort in!

We Are FULLY Funded

I am in awe of God's wonderful power! Yesterday I was informed that our missions trip has been fully funded! But, I have a feeling God is not finished yet. Whatever money that comes in from here on out will go directly to the mission! I am so very grateful to have so much support for this trip (financially as well as in prayer). God is making it very clear that this is what I am supposed to do over the summer- there is no question in my mind.



I pray I will keep an open mind to do what God wants me to do while in Accra. I know I want to work with the babies, but I keep reminding myself that I will be there to help in whatever way is most needed. I cannot wait to see what that may be.



I am continuing with my preparations, putting it all in God's hands. I have scheduled my immunizations with the hope I do not have a negative reaction that would interfere with my possible summer teaching position. I am waiting to hear if I will be teaching this summer (which I am also laying in God's hands). I have also been informed that the school where I am currently subbing for a teacher on maternity leave may or may not be hiring full time teachers next year. I am qualified for two of the possible openings, but they may be conducting the interviews while I am in Africa. So, once again I am trying to give this to God and let him work out the details! The principal knows how badly I want to teach and that I will be in Africa. Hopefully we will all be able to work something out. Like I said before- I am TRYING to give this to God.



For now I continue to teach first grade and prepare for my trip in August. I am trying to be patient and let God lead me where he wants me to go. I will have a busy summer, but I have a feeling it will be the best summer of my life. (At least the most life changing!) Please continue to pray for me as I continue this adventure.

Mack & Leann's Guide to Short Term Missions By J. Mack and Leeann Stiles

I just finished reading a great book about short term missions trips. The authors caution readers to not go on these trips thinking of vacations, or saving a culture. It is not our job to change their complete way of life; it is our responsibility to share the gospel with them and help them to understand how God wants them to live. That does not mean we need to change their culture! We must be very careful not to impose our way of life onto the people we will be working with. We must have humble attitudes and go as servants of the Lord, not Saviors of the people. There is only one Savior, and I can assure you, that is not me! It is our God in Heaven who will be watching over us; I pray I can make him proud!

Thank you Ellen and Al for the great books! I am beginning to read the other book you sent as well: Cross-Cultural Servanthood: Serving the World in Christlike Humility- By Duane Elmer