Uprooting

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:

A time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot."   Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

I suppose its almost my time to uproot. I have done this only a few times in my life, and it is bittersweet everytime. I am happy about whatever is coming next but sad to leave what is happening now. Since i have only been here for 9 months, my roots here aren't as deep as others, but they are deep enough for me to be serious about coming back to this place. They are deep enough for me to miss people deep in my heart and they are deep enough to see God working in this place.

Since i have only had to uproot a few times in my life, I'm not very good at it. It must be something that gets easier the more you do it, but its still a bit painful each time. 

I have one month left in Zambia, and I'll admit that I am anxious about my return to the states. Most likely I will end up back in the oklahoma city/edmond area, but i not ruling anything out. I don't have a set plan for when i get back, which brings worries of its own. However, If there is one thing that i have seen clearly since arriving in Zambia, its that God provides even when it seems unlikely.

God provided the financial support for me to come, even when it seemed impossible.

God provided experiences at the mission that gave me a better understanding of the culture and life here that i wouldn't have gotten otherwise. 

God provides us with the almost $400 each week  it takes to buy formula for two houses. (crazy huh?)

God provides energy on the most exhausting of days.

God provided for each of the babies in this house, that even though their families can't care for them now, they still have life, food and clothes and are loved so much. We know he never meant for children to live like this, but its the only way we know how to help the problem.

God provides beautiful sunsets every single night, and unbelievable stars on clear nights.

God provides faithful people that are striving towards the same goals to further the work of the Lord and of the mission.

God provides wisdom when we don't know what to do, peace when we don't understand and courage for the difficult things.

So, although I am anxious about returning, I know that God has a plan. I want His plan to be for me to return to Zambia, His will will be done. 

I am also excited to see my friends and family that I have missed immensely. I cherish your prayers and your support and your faith. 

Think about the ways that God has provided for you. They are most often the things we take for granted, but I have a feeling that if you made a list, it would be too long to put on your refrigerator.