the little sprout

The last week in July we headed out-of-town to the beach for a spiritual retreat time and regional meeting other personnel. First this was my first real beach experience since being here and it is amazing what that can do for a person. Second, I am always surprised at how much the Lord shows me when away from the daily routine here and can just be with Him without distractions. During that time I was refreshed and renewed about a lot of things. I am beginning to be more and more aware of how little time i have left here, 2 MONTHS! It is easy to get so distracted about finishing what I feel God has called me here to do instead of just walking with Him daily. During our meeting time we met a lot of new people and heard testimonies of people who have been overseas for 20 or more years. They have been through a lot obviously, but they are content with just walking with God and not having all the steps mapped out. They are in love with the people they are serving are just happy to be with God. It was convicting for me to see this because so many times since I have been here, I have wanted God to choose someone else or wanted different circumstances. I have been afraid to admit that it was hard or that I didn’t like it here, but of course there are going to be hard times. These times do bring me closer to God and the fact of the matter is God’s call on my life. As my term come to a close I am just starting to recognize the true joy that comes with living here, in a place where I am forced to rely on Him, in a place He has been preparing me for. Part of me feels like I am not ready to leave because I am enjoying my time here and there is a lot to do. There will always be something to do, until Jesus comes back. But, I know it is my time to leave and this is just a small step to whatever He is calling me to do for the rest of my life. Sometimes I feel like I sound like a broken record when I write these types of things, but I want to be able to share something with yall from all parts of my life here. Thank yall for everything! With out yall giving, we wouldn’t be able to come together to learn from each other, pray for one another and rejoice with one another, or have the spiritual retreat times! And without your prayers the hard days would seem lonely and overwhelming. I Love Yall! (and will see you soon)