Just gonna be honest and a bit vulnerable here....
I (Jaye) am a planner. I like to know what is coming. I have my expectations and hopes. In my heart of hearts, I know it is unrealistic and even foolish to think I can plan for anything or that my expectations will be met. But the two prior trips to Liberia have been fairly smooth - not perfect - but have been with minimal bumps and hurdles (other than just daily life and humidity!). But this trip is already different and I am reminded hour by hour that I cannot possibly plan much of any thing nor do I have control over anything. After having spent time in Liberia, I still feel the struggle with communication and understanding another culture. We are loved and cared for here. We are ok but this is far from easy. Kelsie and I each having our own hurdles, though of course shared because we are together.
We are getting the Zion Train (pastor’s truck) fixed because the stress of figuring out transportation without it is too much - for all of us. Would you please pray that it is fixed according to our estimated cost and timeline? Kelsie's toe looks great, praise the Lord! We are doing well in recovering from jet lag but the humidity is hard to adjust to. I am not sure I ever do. You just have to accept it. I am not feeling great this morning and I covet your prayers in protecting me from illness. Maybe it is sleeping with the a/c on high!
We are taking your donations to the school today and hanging out with kids - it is P.E. day and they are so excited to have us watch them play sports. Next week, we will spend more time at the school in the classrooms.
God is in control. He has a plan and He will be glorified. I tend to get caught up in what I can do to move this project and partnership along. I am reminded that I must work to let it go, hold all things with an open hand, that I am not actually in His equation. I am reminded of a quote in the book, Me, Myself, and Bob by Phil Vischer (Veggie Tales creator). I can't remember the exact words and it is I think adapted from a CS Lewis quote but basically in the equation of God + me it is still only God. I try to add myself in, as if I contribute to the result. But God + me is still just God alone. He wants relationship and we are called to act and serve but it is all God’s work to finish. Not mine.