Last Full Day in America

I leave tomorrow. I am full of a mixture of emotion. I am so excited to get over to Kenya and experience the culture, meet the people, and learn more about who God is. Not only am I looking forward to knowing more about God, but also knowing God better if that makes sense. I can't believe the trip is finally here. Months ago I was running into Chris Bair in the HUB and talking about summer plans. He told me he was thinking of leading a trip to Kenya this summer and what do you know, 7 months later I am about to board a plane to Nairobi.

In the past few days leading up to my departure I have been reflecting a lot on what God has done in my life in the past year and a half. It is so incredible to see how God's plan is SO much bigger than mine. At that time in my life I thought I had my life planned out and I "knew" exactly how things were going to work out for me. Now, as I look back, I am amazed at how God had a much different (but infinitely better) plan in mind. It is really humbling to realize how little control I have over my life. Humbling, and at the same time comforting. I have the God of the universe orchestrating my life...can I ask for anything better? No!

With that in mind, I have also been struggling with a lot of fear regarding this trip. There is so much unknown ahead of me and I have been doubting myself and my abilities. But, thanks to some amazing people in my life I have been reminded that I have the power of the Holy Spirit and its not me who works but God who works through me. It is a privilege to be able to be God's hands and feet in Kenya and I know that the Lord has called me there this summer for a reason. Its my own pride clouding my thoughts to think that any of what I do in Kenya is on my own. Acts 17:25 (a theme verse from our spring break trip this year) says: And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.

Tomorrow, I will be in Kenya. Away from the familiar,home,family,friends,and Todd.
I know this summer is going to be a challenging one. I know I will be stretched in ways I never thought possible. But I also know that I have no reason to fear because God is my strength and protector.

This past Sunday I went to church at Grace Presbyterian with Todd and the sermon was exactly what I needed to hear before heading off to Kenya. It was on Deuteronomy 31:1-8. It is when Moses is leaving the Israelites and is telling them that he will not be leading them to the Promised Land but rather Joshua will be doing it. The Israelites are very scared because they have received a lot of favor and blessing from God while Moses was their leader so they are not sure what to expect when he leaves them. The really cool thing is that rather than tell the Israelites that they will be fine because they are good people and can do it He tells them that because God is with them and will never leave them they will be fine. He points them back to the Lord as their strength and reminds them that their safety and blessing is not dependent on Moses' presence. Deut 31:8 it says "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

Though I am leaving the safety and security of what I know here, because God is with me I don't have to be afraid or discouraged. I am really trying to bury that verse in my heart and remember it when I get nervous or scared for leaving. I want to enjoy every minute of my trip and I know I will come back with so many cool stories and knowledge about God, myself, and Kenya.

Thanks for all of your support and prayers. My next post will be from Kenya!!

Sacha