Our furlough has not quite gone as planned, but we have enjoyed the time here connecting with people in any way we can. Yet one aspect that has been challenging was making sure aspects of our ministry carried on in our absence. A lot of our plans for that fell through as travel was so restricted when we left.
About 2 weeks ago we realized that a trip to Senegal was going to be necessary. We have a good team working on French right now, and timely assessments are really important to keep them encouraged in their learning. The original person planning was unable to because of travel restrictions for certain countries. We tried different things from a distance but they weren’t working out well. So, after some prayer we realized that I, Andi, should take a trip.
So much about this trip seemed uncertain. I needed a negative COVID test before traveling which we all know is not a guarantee right now. I only had a window of 6 days to be there and so there was no time to gently work on jet lag. My schedule was going to be really full – 2 evaluations or visits a day which each take 4 hours and then connecting people in the evening. On top of that there were reports to write and I needed to eat each day.
Now having arrived back, I am amazed at what God did. I didn’t get COVID before leaving. I was awake and clear headed each day, even through I only slept well some nights. I arrived and people all around me were sick, but I didn’t get sick. I was able to accomplish all that I had set out to do. I arrived back home and wasn’t completely wasted.
It might not seem like much, but it was such a miracle. God gave me an extra scoop of grace for each day and blessed this trip in ways I could only imagine. It was a good reminder how he can make the impossible possible, if we are following where he leads. This is the encouragement that I am holding on to today.
Having travelled recently ourselves, we know what a miracle this is. Praise the Lord!
Thats amazing!! Go God!! Hope you have some relaxing and peaceful time with your family before you head home. God bless you all and once again, we were happy to hang with you guys at camp and steal you for a retreat!!
Praise God for his safety and Him working things all out.
Heather
Praise the Lord! Rejoicing with you! Thank you for your update!
Aunt Karen
Andi, Your words of encouragement always are such a blessing. Its great to see God work through and Joel. I’m glad you are home now safe and healthy.
As an aside it was wonderful that you were home for Anna’s wedding. Wasn’t it wonderful? I’m so proud of her and happy for her as I know you are too.
I probably won’t see you guys before you leave again. So, I’ll take this opportunity to say bon voyage and wish you all another safe and complication free trip. Love to all. Carolyn
Yay!!! Praise God from Whom all blessings flow! What an very lovely thing that God answered again and again and again this unplanned trip (for you but not for Him.) Thank you for sharing this! I can’t tell you how much this encouraged my heart!
With all the uncertainty we are all dealing with, it is indeed a testimony of the goodness and faithfulness of God when he provides the grace necessary to fulfill his calling. Great perspective!!
I love this! Thank you for sharing. While I do not understand the specific touches of God’s grace that you recognize, (I have only ever travelled one time zone from home) I do understand and recognize when God makes the impossible and improbable a reality. It is quite exciting and humbling and amazing! I love to hear stories of His tender care and powerful hands working for the good of His plan and purpose. I rejoice and praise God along with you! <3 love and hugs and prayers for you all.
I loved seeing how the boys have grown. Great family photo. Thanks for keeping this up so well. I think and pray for you often.