Broken, Needy, and Chosen.

Hey everyone! 

I feel like I have a lot of things I want to put on here, so you'll have to make sense of my rambling. Hopefully at the end it will all come together.

First, I picked up my journal I kept from my Kenya trip a couple of summers ago and I found this song  and thought I would share. Here's the translation: 

There is no God like our God.

I've looked everywhere.

I've searched everywhere.

I've been everywhere. 

There is no God like our God.

How true! I find myself always running to things that don't satisfy, other "gods" or idols that I make for myself and there is no God like our God! I am always in need of that reminder. 

Also, I have been involved in a Women's Bible Study studying Isaiah this past year, and I love it! Here are some verses that have been coming back to mind as I've been digging deep into this book:

 “But you, Israel, my servant, 
Jacob, whom I have chosen, 
you descendants of Abraham my friend, 

I took you from the ends of the earth, 

   from its farthest corners I called you. 

I said, ‘You are my servant’; 

   I have chosen you and have not rejected you. 

So do not fear, for I am with you; 

   do not be dismayed, for I am your God. 

Isaiah 41:8-10

Look at the words God uses to describe us: Servant, Chosen, Friend. This is right where I am. I feel broken and needy, yet I am Chosen--his servant and friend.

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine. 
When you pass through the waters, 

I will be with you; 

and when you pass through the rivers, 

they will not sweep over you. 

When you walk through the fire, 

you will not be burned; 

the flames will not set you ablaze. 

For I am the LORD your God, 

the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

Isaiah 43:1-3a

I have been taking a lot of comfort in these verses. I have recently applied to Covenant College, and last Wednesday I got my financial aid package back. To make a long story short, I am just waiting. Waiting on God to provide, or show me that this is not what He would have for me. He doesn't promise in these verses that if I follow Him, there will be no hard times. He promises his presence. He is right there with me. And I am so thankful. I am redeemed and loved by the King of the Universe, what good news!

And as I look forward to my trip this summer, I feel so blessed. I know I keep saying this, but I have no other words for the amount of support I have been receiving. I have been encouraged to tears at the generosity of my friends and family. Finances are tight. Budgets are tight. And yet people have been so generous. They are making a true sacrifice to further God's Kingdom and his work in Kenya. 

So now what? Well first of all, thank you for taking the time to read my blog, and taking part in this trip with me. I am so thankful for you! Please continue to be praying for the support to come in for all of the interns going this summer. Be praying that God will prepare our hearts, and that he will give us a true servants heart and compassion for the people in Kenya.  Basically, be praying. 

My support is at $2,075. And I have some money to turn into MTW this week sometime. Thanks for all your support, and thanks for reading!!