The Lord Provides!

My Savior’s constant provision never ceases to amaze me! Throughout this entire preparation process for my trip, God has shown up in amazing ways that has strengthened my faith time and time again. The fundraising process has been a huge growing experience for me. I will be honest with you, asking for money has not come easily for me, especially since I am asking for $6,500, which is no small sum of money. These past few weeks, God has given me the opportunity to work on that area of my life, and has provided in incredible ways that have been knocking my socks OFF!


For example, the purchase of my first plane ticket.


The ticket from Houston to Bangkok (with a layover in London) was going to cost me $2,319.45 round trip. Because the process of procuring an Overseeing Congregation was a slower process than I thought, I did not have the sufficient funds to purchase my plane tickets. As time was ticking away, and it was getting closer to the deadline, I began to get a little nervous. I was sharing my concerns with my good friend, Manda one evening after I had looked at the total of my trip and the timeline of all the money that was due. I was beginning have feelings of doubt and I started to wonder if I was doing the right thing by leaving this summer. I was a little overwhelmed and wasn't sure how I was going to raise $2,319.45 for a plane ticket in two days. How could I hear God's calling to Thailand so clearly and yet not be able to get on an airplane? I have never felt so strongly about anything in my life and knew this was where God was leading me. But how was I going to get there? After an encouraging conversation with Manda, and much fervent prayer, I decided that if it was truly God’s will for me go on this trip, which I firmly believe that it is, I knew that HE would provide the sufficient funds. I just needed to trust in God's timing, not my own.
The day after my conversation with Manda, and the day before the money for the plane ticket was due, Becca asked if I wanted to go to McDonald’s with her and Manda. Not expecting anything, I willingly went along for the 60 second drive across the street to McDonald’s. When we were in the drive-thru, Becca presented me with this…



















It turned out that Becca raised more than the total of what was needed for the trip, so she was able to pay for my plane ticket out of the funds she raised!!! I was shocked and surprised to say the least! God provided the money right in the nick of time through Becca! I'm so blessed to have such an amazing teammate who was willing to share her funds with me! I was speechless when I opened the lovely envelope that Manda made. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the words written inside and It took awhile for it to sink in. That beautiful envelop is definitely something I will treasure forever to keep as a reminder of God's faithfulness and constant provision. It's even my favorite color! :)

I am so blessed to have such faithful friends! God is SO GOOD! I am so excited to see what else He is going to do in the weeks to come.
Thank you for all of your prayers!

The Beginning...

I am so excited to welcome you to my blog! This will be will be home to my stories, thoughts, photos and updates as I prepare to venture off on a journey of a lifetime that only God could orchestrate. On May 24th, I will be departing for Chiang Mai Thailand for ten weeks to serve at Nikki’s Place, Agape Children’s Home! There, I and four other girls will be loving, caring for, and sharing Jesus with children who are affected with HIV/AIDS.  I will be going with the sweetest group of girls you will ever meet: (from left to right below) Brittney Starkey, Emily Bibb, Me, Becca Clay,  Rachel Varner, and . We are so excited to embark on this journey God has set before us! I am looking forward to sharing my experiences with you all! Thank you for all of your love, support, prayers! 

Blessings,

Elizabeth