Hey there!
This may be a shorter post than usual because I require lots of sleep and still need to teach tomorrow. However, I wanted to give a very exciting update on how things are going in regards to my support raising!
As far as funds go, last night I posted a picture of the confirmation for my plane ticket along with an update that I had 83.3% of my monthly support. If you didn't read that sentence, try it again. That says HAD. Within the past 24 hours, I've received other monthly pledges that have raised that percentage to 95.7%!!! I have been overwhelmed with thankfulness to the point of tears in response to the support I've received. It's hard to believe that in one month from today, I'll be on a plane back to Honduras.
My last post on here was one of honesty, despair, and a little bit of hope. In the month since then, I can say that God has shown me His faithfulness through so many prayers, checks, words of encouragement, and people. I had the privilege of speaking at a women's retreat and a nearby church in the month of November. As nervous as I was at both events, I was so blown away by the responses I got from complete strangers. There is so much love in being the body of Christ. People were so open to listen about Nueva Esperanza and what I hope to do there. Many of them have come beside me to make the ministry I hope for more of a reality. At the church that I went to, they prayed for me as if I was their own! I was able to see another glimpse of what the universal Church looks like.
In the past 6 days of December, I received the phone call giving me permission to buy my plane ticket and shared at another church in a neighboring community. Once I got off the phone, I promptly went around my house telling everyone who would listen that I officially get to go back to Honduras. I have been so blown away by my family's support that their reactions were very similar to mine with high pitched voices and hugs. That phone call from Barbara was also filled with things to do in preparation for leaving and what I can expect to do in my first month with Nueva Esperanza. This past Sunday, I also spoke at Dorset Baptist during Randy's sermon. That was a new experience, but many words of encouragement afterwards helped me to believe that it was well received. Once again, support from strangers is a weird, wonderful phenomenon to show that we are joined together by one Savior.
In this next month until January 6 (literally, ONE MONTH), I have a lot of things to do. I need to buy international medical insurance, pack up a couple suitcases, spend as much time with family as possible, see as many friends as possible, finish working at my schools, continue working at the ministry office, and try to raise that last 4.3% of monthly support so that I can be fully funded. I've been waiting for this for what seemed like forever, but now in light of my to-do list, it seems like I need more time!
Please be praying for my patience, raising my final support, and leaving well. For those of you who have had to transition your life to a new place, you know that leaving well is the hardest part. After getting accustomed to life in Ohio again, leaving will definitely be bittersweet. I'll go from living in a house with 4 other people to living on my own for a bit. I am so excited to finally start work with Nueva Esperanza, but transitions are hard. Thank you SO MUCH for your encouragement, prayers, and overwhelming support!
