Roadtrip? Must Trust God

Pike's Peak, Colorado

    
   Four days is a long time. Especially in a car, driving across most of the United States, with no air conditioner. I know you all will agree when I say that traveling in such a manner with someone that you don't get along with would be absolutely awful. In fact you would probably look at me in bewilderment that I would contemplate such a thing! ...yeah, you're right. Bad idea. 

Texas

   Good thing I traveled with my Dad! He made the trip fun, safe, practical, and we still managed to have a few adventures (Like turning up a one way street in downtown Billings, MT....Oops). I love my dad, and I am very, very grateful that he took five days out of his busy schedule to drive across the country with me, only to fly home again right after arrival. I learned several things on our roadtrip. 1) Texas is stinkin HUGE. 2) Rush hour traffic on Friday in the Denver, CO area is really stressful. 3) Staying with friends is one of the best things ever. 4) When I am inside God's desire for my life there is an impenetrable calm that goes with me. 
     Thing #4 really surprised me. Up until a week or so before I left for Louisiana I was so stressed out. All the details that needed me to attend to them were threatening to overwhelm me. But I came to a place of surrender and gave it all back to God. I said, "God, I trust you. I TRUST YOU." And after that, even though I didn't have a car, or all my funding, or a solid road trip plan, I was calm. Deep inside I knew God would be my Provider and work out all those details. He asked me to go, and I said yes. He took care of the rest. (Good thing too...I would have completely messed it up)
   This week has been a good transition from home to Reach Global Crisis Response. I have had time to settle in, renew friendships and meet new friends. On Wednesday a group of staff went into the city to work on Pastor Darrel's church in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans. (some of you may remember that I went to a church service there last summer. See previous post here.....) It was a rough transition to working in the heat....boy, it gets hot here! But I enjoyed putting myself to work and seeing the amazing progress the staff and teams have made since last summer. 

Pastor Darrel's Church

  
  The new interns all arrive this week. We have already welcomed Lily J. to our team and celebrated her birthday with her! The other four will arrive in the next few days, and another in a couple weeks. I am excited to welcome them all to Louisiana and see how they respond to this place and the people. 

Happy Bday, Lily!

Prayer Requests: 
-Safe arrival for all interns
-Patience and focus for us on the leadership side to run orientation next week for the interns
-That all of us would have hearts focused and ready for God's Spirit to move and make us into a family
-That I would continue to be open and challenge myself and others. 
-Energy! 

I will be updating my blog weekly throughout the summer, so check back and keep your eye on Facebook. 

Shalom!

















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