One week and counting

Well, things are coming down to the wire--just one week to go. Been rushing around like a decapitated farm fowl trying to tie up all the loose ends. Student Loans in particular are proving to be mighty tricksy beasties to untangle. On top of all the other things I've got to do, I just wish Caesar would make it easier for me to give to him what is his, confound him.

On the bright side, God has been proving to me once again that my expectations of him are always too small.

This weekend was our Missions Conference, and on Sunday morning the congregation surprised me with taking up an offering to help cover the costs of my trip. Specifically, I needed about $800 to cover my ticket, $300 for insurance and another $2,500 or so for the cost of my language courses at the University. That's just what I need before I leave--the rest can come as God brings it).

Needless to say, I was surprised and touched that they would hold an offering for me, but I was absolutely blown away by the generosity shown by everyone. When they announced the offering, I thought, "wow God, it would be great if you would bring in $500..." Sometimes I think God likes to show off, because the total offering was $1,200! So now my plane ticket and insurance is paid for. Absolutely incredible...