Jesus Sightings...

So, in the process of getting ready for my DTS I have been blessed to see the divine hand of God going before me and working all things together for my good.

During this past month I had a garage sale as a fundraiser. There was a joint garage sale with some friends who are going to South Africa this summer (Check out pathtoafrica), then the weekend after that I had a garage sale "on my own." The location of roung 2 for the garage sale was a friends house from church, she was going to be out of town and her garage was empty. She has been wanting to remodel her house so that her mother could move in with her, but the permit didn't go through in May like she had hoped. The community that Barb lives in has an anual community garage sale. So, Barb gave me the keys to her house and told me to have the garage sale there... she was sure that I'd be able to sell allot of stuff. So, it was a sweet moment to know that her permit hadn't gone through, but she was planning on remodeling (so her garage was stripped bare) and she just so happened to be out of town during the sale... all orchestrated by God so that I could have the opportunity to make a couple hundred bucks towards my mission. Barb is such a blessing, too! She helped organize items, helped set up, the final pack up. She is an extremely helpful woman and it was a blessing that she offered her home and help to me. I saw Jesus in her.

The same weekend as Garage sale #2, I had a Momo party (in place of a spaghetti dinner). Not very many people came, which was dissapointing. BUT it was a blessing that those who came were extremely generous and it was great to see them. I think it was the most humbling experience to have many of the Nepali my mom works with come to help make momo, set up, cook, serve and then stay until all the cleaning was done. Then, not only did they serve me in that way, most took it upon themselves to donate financially as well. I was blown away. The sense of community and giving that these people have towards one they claim as their own is an astounding thing to me. I hope to help raise a generation more like them in that way. I saw Jesus in them.

Then, in general, it was a huge Jesus sighting just to receive any donations.
Over the past several months I have been planning on attending this training and yet no money was coming in. I was saving every last penny I could, but it wasn't meeting the massive goal. I was starting to get doubtful and seeking other opportunities. I knew God wanted me to Go to Vegas (I already had bought the plane ticket, I know that wouldn't have happened with peace if he didn't want me to). But, there was just so much darkness in the financial cloud that was hanging over head. Then, in a matter of 2 weeks, I get $2,500 which, is only around 25% of my total goal. But to go from almost nothing to $2,500!! Incredible. The Lord, is in fact, a sudden God.

I am so extremely excited for this trip! I still have so much to do and so much to get around. Packing, cleaning, more fundraising, spending time with family and friends before I leave. SO MUCH TO DO! It get's really overwhelming at times. It drives me insane and sometimes I just want to cry and give up. But the lord is a reassuring God. He is the ultimate provider. The complete healer and he dries all my tears as long as I trust in Him for my salvation and rest myself underneath His mighty wings. He is a good God, a loving Lord and He shows himself to me abundantly!

-Jackie