Last Year . . . This Year

I don't do it very often, but I find it a good practice to look back with a "forest" perspective and realize how God has shaped certain events and people for very specific times and places.

Last year my heart began to ache when I really realized that I wouldn't be able to physically make the trip to eSikhawini. It was not a possibility for me to take two weeks off of the normal school year. Looking back now I see that God had me right where He needed me.

Staying home meant . . .
1. Other talented folks could step up to new positions of leadership
2. God helped me practice being satisfied even in sorrow
3. God moved me to pray more often for others
4. God gave me time to help my friend Jenny prepare for her mission on the Africa Mercy Ship
5. I realized more and more the needs of my South African friends extend FAR beyond the time that I am there.

This year I am praying that God will return me to Africa this Easter - and that the 5 things staying home meant will be engraved on my heart. I hope to go with a new perpective.

Would you please join me in prayer - that my principal and superintendant give me the blessing to take 5 days off of school? Would you be so bold to pray that they allow me to take those 5 days off with pay - that is as "sick days" instead of "unpaid leave"?

Thank you - I'll keep you posted.
Tracy