I stand in awe of His power

So I leave in 10 days which doesn't leave that much room to raise the rest of my money, but God has convinced me that He doesn't work on the same time table. It seems like right as I begin to doubt Him, He reveals Himself to me in such amazing ways in order to provide encouragement. He is constantly offering confirmation that Malawi is where I am supposed to be this summer and that He is going to make it happen! God has created environments where people are brought into my life that I would never even think would be a part of this process. So let me give you some highlights of this past week and a few ways that God has made His vision clear to me.

First off, I'm pretty much working every single day before I leave which makes me a little busy and tired, but I'm able to earn some much needed cash and be in a supportive environment.

Also, last week I had to finish up all my medical stuff so I had one appointment to complete my shots and another with my doctor to sign a medical release. I got them both scheduled just in time and with no hassle which never happens (for those of you who have experienced Kaiser.. haha) A huge blessing has been my medical insurance since all my shots were FREE!!!!!! A lot of my teammates have already racked up a huge bill for their vaccinations. I started my shots in San Diego and when I talked to the nurse about everything I needed she said that Malarone (my malaria medicine) would be the only thing not covered because it is a name-brand prescription. She said it was 5 bucks a pill and since we have to take it before we get there, every day we are there, and after we get back that means A LOT of money!! Money that I definitely didn't have. So I decided to put that off to the last minute hoping I would get a few hundred extra dollars somehow... well that didn't happen and it was time to pick up my prescription after my shots were done. I told the nurse that I didn't have the money and that I understood it wasn't covered so I might have to hold out a bit longer, but she interrupted me by saying, "Oh no that was just changed... you now just have to pay your regular co-pay." I was completely blown away and couldn't help but laugh! That's just crazy talk! HAHA. Then if it couldn't get better... I go to the pharmacy to pick it up and they didn't charge me right. I was supposed to pay my co-pay for every 30 tablets, but they only charged me once instead of 3 times. The pharmacist caught it and said, "Don't worry about it we won't tell... have a great trip!!" Once again my only response was laughter. I was in such disbelief that God was seriously doing this! Once again, money is completely out of my control. He is so good :)

Another cool story is that the other day at work I was talking to a coworker about my trip and she asked how much money I still had to raise. I told her that I still had a quite a bit to go, so she created a plan right on the spot. That night she baked brownies and made a donation box with my picture on it and started selling them to employees at the club. I was so touched by her thoughtfulness and willingness to step up and help out. What a blessing!

Also, I was feeling discouraged about not recieving any responses to my support letter recently in the mail. I was also getting worried because I had to have all my mail forwarded home if it was sent to San Diego and I wasn't quite sure if it was working or just getting lost somewhere. Then yesterday, right as I was feeling really overwhelmed about my finances, my dad walks in with the mail and I had 3 letters! The last one I opened was a large unexpected check and an encouraging note from a family member!! I broke down in tears as I was humbled by His power and renewed by His faithfulness.

Then tonight, after sharing my plans for the summer with a group of old and new friends, a girl who I had just met felt led to give me money. She said that she was trying to figure out what to do with it and after hearing about my trip she really wanted to help me out! I had just met her! I didn't know what to do! I was so amazed by her generosity!

These are just a few ways that God has been loving on me this past week, and I hope it is an encouragement to you. He truly never gives up on us and is able to provide in ways that we can't even imagine to be possible. It's so encouraging to see people feeling called to give and to do it joyously! Please pray for continued provision as well as the ability to be joyous in all things :)
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18