Being Loved by God...

Hello everyone,
Well, I have been in Brussels the past 2 days - but for all I know I have died and gone to heaven. I LOVE being here. Who wouldn't love chocolate, cheese, bread, shopping, beautiful weather? All those little things I have been looking forward to I have gotten to do in the last few days. I have had a long shower, slept in a big bed, gone shopping by myself, been to the grocery store, eaten fresh fruits and veggies!!!

Getting to stay with my dear friend Jodi has been an unspeakable blessing. Jodi is an amazing woman of God and she has been so good to me. She is a listening ear, a wise word of wisdom, a truth teller, patient and loving. She has been just the person to help me transition out of Africa. She too is going through some similar experiences, so it is God's loving kindness that Jodi and I have these few days together. Which is why I titled this blog entry, "Being Loved by God". I was telling Jodi of all the blessings of the past few days and it was her that pointed it out to me - this is God loving me, taking care of me, helping me transition.

God has been giving me so much I am overwhelmed. For starters, I got the best send off from the Africa Mercy that I could've ever hoped for. Usually when someone leaves the ship their group of friends gather on the dock to say goodbye, give hugs, and then send them off. When I left the ship on Sunday afternoon it was pouring rain and windy. I didn't really expect anyone to go out in that weather. All of my close friends came out to say goodbye. Even one of my past patients - Joanna and her daughter Angela walked through the rain and wind from town to come to the ship-yard and send me off. Not only that, but Joanna loves to sing - so before I got in the Land Rover she started singing some lovely African worship songs and soon everyone joined in. There we were huddled in a circle of about 10 people, all getting soaking wet, singing that God will carry our load, and that he will be our guide. It was hard to tell if I was soaking wet from the rain or from my tears. It was a moment that I wished I had captured with my camera, but then I think it was a moment that no picture would ever do justice.

When I arrived in Brussels I made it to Jodi's without a problem. The past 2 days have been amazing. I have gotten to see a lot of Brussels, and I have had some wonderful time to myself. Jodi is working while I am here, so during the day I go off exploring and she goes to work. At night we go out and experience Brussels together. Tonight we had a hilarious adventure of aerobics in the park. I will have to post pictures to truly describe what happened. But, imagine a large, historic, beautiful park (picture Central Park) and then add about 300 Belgian people all doing aerobics together. It was so fun and I got to meet some of Jodi's friends.

Going home is bittersweet to be sure, but I am grateful beyond words to God and His love and care for me no matter what part of the world I am in. See you all soon!!!

Leaving - Part 2

Ok, so yesterday when I posted on the blog I was definitely sad about leaving. Today I am leaving in 3 hours and I am still sad about leaving. However, last night after I blogged, God who is always faithful brought some great surprises to cheer me up. First of all, a new shipment of Diet Coke has arrived, so for my last night all the world was happy as we drank Diet Coke. Then we had a dance party on the dock and it was fabulous. It was a perfect night and we had great music and lots of dancing - until the rain came. But, even then many of us kept on dancing! It was a great way to end my time here. Also, I have to say receiving an email from my good sister, Tracy - your words of encouragement were perfect timing!

Leaving

Tomorrow I have to leave Africa. That is all there is to say. I hope I will get to come back soon, but for now I have to go. I am definitely sad to be leaving, but so grateful I even got to come. I have been busy this week so I haven't had too much time to even think about leaving. Today I spent the day packing and spent time with some of my most cherished friends here - Kat and Wendy. Tonight we are having a dance party on the dock for my goodbye party. I am glad that God provides- that even here in Africa I have found friends that love to dance!

Bon Voyage Jenny

Hello Friends & Family -

Jenny sets sail tomorrow on her great adventure. I know that we are all in awe of her courage and obedience to God in taking this giant step.

Please leave Jenny a note of encouragement, a prayer, or a farewell message in the comment section below! I know she will cherish reading these when she arrives safely upon the ship.

Kindly,

Tracy

ps. to those of you who want to keep up on Jen's adventure - now would be a good time to subscribe to her RSS feed. Scroll all the way down to the bottom of the page and click "Subscribe to:Posts(Atom)"

Here We Go!!!!!

Well Everyone,
Here we go! No one is more surprised or amazed that the ticker-thing on this blog says ZERO,-0- than me! I cannot believe how time flies. This past week I have been SO busy. Thank you to everyone that has had a hand in getting me on my way. Truly I would not be going without your help - which is why I say "here WE go" because I take all of you with me. I am heading to bed but wanted to just say goodbye for a short time. I will be traveling tomorrow afternoon thru Chicago, Brussels, and then on to LIBERIA!!! I will get to board the Africa Mercy sometime on Sunday evening. I will post on the blog as soon as I get settled and find my way.

As I prepare to head out I ask just one more thing - that you continue to pray for me! Pray that travel is as smoothe as travel can be, pray that I find my way, pray that I stay healthy.

I think I have probably said the word gratitude in almost every post. But, I cannot say it enough - I am filled with gratitude for EVERYONE that has supported me. Thank you for helping make my dream come true. Thank you for choosing to join me on this journey. I look forward to the adventure that awaits me. I am honored that God would allow me to be a part of His work. Thank you for joining me in this as well! Talk to you soon!