Here I go...

“Will you come back and visit again?” Salima* doubtfully asked. This young lady was just one of the handful of ladies I actually got a glance of. All of the women in the country wear their traditional black attire with only their eyes showing. Salima was a neighbor to one of my friends serving in that country. She looked at me with disbelief when I responded with “Yes, I am!” At that moment I just knew without a doubt that this far away land in the M.E. was the place God had chosen for me to serve long ago. I was excited and amazed. Wow! After eight years of waiting on His answer, God finally revealed the place for me… I got my answer =) Last year’s summer, after much praying and research (with the help of my best friend - she always cheers me on), I went on a “vision trip” to a M.E. country with the organization that I am a part of now. The purpose of the trip was to see the land and the opportunities. After an eye-opening experience to God’s heart for the people I visited (and more specific confirmation), I committed to the advancement of the Kingdom in that country. This December will mark nine years since I learned about God’s call for my life in the M.E. Before that, I always knew I would go to another country to share God's love. I thought it would be a Latin country because it made sense and I already know the language. Then I realized the need in the M.E. “Where?!” and “Why there?!” loved ones, especially relatives, have puzzled. Almost nine years ago, at a conference, I learned that the M.E. has very little people sharing Jesus. Today, the latest is that of all the kingdom workers sent out only about 6% are in that region. There is also a high turnover rate after five years of service. To further magnify this need, 88% of M.sl.ms have never met a follower of Christ! With Ms being a large population (1 out of 5 people are Ms) That, to me, has compelled me! It has brewed a great sense of urgency! In the last 25 years more Ms are becoming followers of Jesus than in the last prior 1,400 years combined! Currently, I am in preparation with the organization I am a part of. I will be in class for five weeks. The excitement is high, but I am also nervous. It almost reminds me of my first day of school: new school, new people, new stage in life, the unknown, growing up, etc... But with the confidence of an even more confirmed calling. I praise God for his loving kindness and faithfulness throughout this life I have been given. Sure there are challenges but it makes this life a wonderful adventure and it has been amazing to see what God does. Please continue to join me in doing life together. I cannot do this alone; we are all a part of God’s plan for this world. I depart to serve full-time on August 2010. I will continue to post updates on here and keep you informed. Please feel free to contact me. (*name was changed) ****PLEASE DO NOT MENTION MY COUNTRY OF SERVICE, MY NAME, OR THE ORGANIZATION NAME ON HERE. Thank you**** Prayer points: - Preparation and training - Soaking up everything needed in the five week training (Sept 11 – Oct 15) - Wisdom during this prep time - The heart of those I will serve