Hi everybody! I just want to start by apologizing for not writing in so long... It's been difficult to do so because there was a lot going on, behind the scenes, lots of moving pieces, that I really couldn't write about until things were all squared away with the right people. As of right now there are still a few parts that are shifting around in order to make sure that everything is up to par for me to leave. But I wanted to update you all, as much as I can, at this moment. So here we go!
I was hoping for a September departure, but since I still have a bit to raise, and still need to go through the process of getting my visa, I think we're looking at an early October departure at this moment. I am SO incredibly excited, as I'm watching this dream, that I've had for over two and a half years finally moving from dream to reality! It's been a long, difficult journey, but I am finally able to see a light at the end of the tunnel, and it has truly been an incredible thing to see God work, and move as I continued to move forward with the vision he has given me. Watching everything fall into place, in His timing has been such a cool thing to see.
I also want to take a moment, in this blog post, to say thank you to a very special person. I want to say thank you to Joan Cox, an amazing woman of God, that has known me, and prayed for me, since before I was born. She has been such a blessing to my family over the years, and has been such an incredible blessing and essential part of helping me in my support raising. I love her so dearly, and I can only hope I can be half as loving, caring, kind, hospitable, and a strong example of the love of Christ as she is someday. So thank you Joan, for all you've done to help me in this process, it has been more encouraging and inspiring than you know.
Now I just need to brag on God for a minute. He has provided such an amazing opportunity to partner with a very special church, the church that I grew up in, that has now become All Souls Community Church. I am so thankful that God, through Joan, opened the doors for me to share with them, and after much prayer and consideration, partner with them. I am so thankful for this opportunity, and there is no doubt in my mind, that this was fully orchestrated by God. He saw where I was at, that I was feeling a bit discouraged, wondering how all this would work out, and He provided this amazing opportunity for a partnership, which I am so excited about, because I believe it was very much God ordained.
God has blessed me. He has blessed me with people that have been supporting me for years, both prayerfully and financially. He has blessed me with a loving and supporting family. He has blessed me with an incredible calling, and while I feel unworthy at times of such a calling, I know that HE has made me worthy of it. I have to say, I cannot believe that this is actually happening. But I am so excited to watch what else God does as I'm preparing to leave for the field. He has done so much already, and I know that He will continue to do so much more.
If you are in a place of doubt, wondering where God is, why He led you to where you're at, only to feel that He abandoned you, know that He hasn't. He will never leave, nor forsake us. He has things we need to learn, ways that we need to grow. Even if you feel like you aren't growing, like God isn't there, He isn't speaking, let me tell you, you are growing, He is there, and He is speaking. As I look back on my time here, I see how God spoke, how when I would feel at my lowest, He would send encouragement, whether through my sister, my best friend, my mom, or total strangers that I was able to forge a deep connection with, He always spoke. Look for the little things, be vulnerable, open up and tell your support system where you're at. If you don't have a support system, tell God where you're at. He knows, but something happens when we're open and vulnerable with Him, He moves, He changes things, whether in the physical, or in our hearts, something changes. It's so easy to forget, believe me, I know, but remember, God will always give you the right perspective when we just ask.
Thank you all, for your continued prayers and support! We're almost there, and I cannot wait to write my first blog post from Belfast VERY soon! Please continue to keep me in prayer as I finish up my time here support raising. Also, remember, if there are any prayer requests that you have you can send them my way, I would love to be praying for all of you specifically as well! Love you all!
Blessings and Love,
Chrissy
