I'm starting the big preparation process in these last two weeks before leaving. I got immunizations, I sent out prayer letters, I have started my packing list, I finished buying tickets and let people know when I'm coming, and this next week I will pack and re-pack, go to Wal Mart and spend too much money, pack up my room, and get togther with people and call people to chat while it's still easy to do so.
This last week the Lord reminded me that He is also preparing. As I shared in my last blog, I was freaking out, but the Lord brought some things into my life to remind me that he is indeed taking care of me and is good to me.
I read a fantastic book on Monday called A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, which I highly recommend!! It was a long reminder of all the ways that the Lord cares for us. The part that most stuck with me was when the shepherd takes the sheep to the high pasture (tableland, prepares a table) in summertime, often he goes ahead and adds minerals to the pasture, preparing good food for the sheep.
The Lord then showed me the next day how he has been doing this. I went to small group, and there by surprise were a family from church, who also brought the Italian exchange student who is staying with them! I had her speak Italian to me, and I could understand her!!! Also, their daughter is going to India with me, and we chatted about that!! I will have a friend on the India trip!! Both of these things really put me at peace about the next few months. It doesn't sound like much, but it was a huge reminder to me that God IS taking care of me, he IS going ahead of me and preparing the way, and he IS my good shepherd!!
Both of these things were surprises, totally unexpected, and I was reminded that with the Lord unexpected good surprises come just when we need them. He is going ahead of me, in his tender love preparing the way for me, and leading me. I just need to follow, obey, and trust.
I am renewed in my excitement for this faith adventure, and relieved by the reminder that Jesus my good shepherd is right there, has gone ahead of me, and will make my paths straight as I trust him.
