Overwhelmed...

I am amazed and humbled by the wonderful believers I am surrounded by. This past weekend was completely overwhelming... in a good way. First of all, on Saturday evening, some sweet girlfriends held a "Missionary Shower" for me. After a fun gift time where I was showered with chocolate, Band Aids, Orbit gum, and Bath & Body Works hand soap, among other things, they led the most unbelievable prayer time. They lifted up me, my team, my family, and the people that we'll be working with in Lugbara. I felt so blessed to be surrounded by family and friends who have been by my side through some very difficult times, and who have seen the LORD work in amazing ways in my life. Knowing that these strong, Godly women are praying for me here at home make me even more confident that God will be glorified in Arua.

Sunday morning was a whirlwind. During both services, Taylors 1st Baptist held a commissioning for me and for the other girl from the church going to training in a couple weeks. They presented us to the church, asked the church family to pray for us as we go to Richmond for training and as we get into the field, and then prayed over us. After each service, church members had the opportunity to come and speak to us... what a blessing to get to see so many people who have poured into my life since I was a child, to know that God used them in shaping me into the woman I am today, and to know that they will continue to pray for me in the future. Needless to say, I was a wreck!

Since our commissioning was at the end of each service, I was asked to speak to The Connection, a large Life Group, during the first part of the second service hour. The Connection is a cross-generational class, with members from ages 20 to 80; I've been attending this class for the past few months, and it has been a huge blessing in my life. During my talk, I tried to explain how my life has come to be on the path of international missions. I also described my team, our mission, how we will be addressing this mission, and how they can pray for us. Their response in their willingness to pray for us and support me in this journey was simply overwhelming. I do not feel worthy to be blessed with such an amazing body to lift me up and encourage me.