A New Adventure

Here we are, on the last day of June, and time is flying! As you undoubtedly know since you are visiting my blog, I will be on a plane in early September! I will be heading to Poznan, Poland for nine months.  And I am PUMPED!  


This blog is intended to keep my friends, family, and supporters up to date on how I am faring and what God is doing in my life.  I am starting it now to get in the habit of regularly updating, and also to try to get most of the blogging learning curve out of the way before I go.  :) 


What I'll Be Doing


The most common question I've encountered so far is, "So... what exactly will you be doing?"  And the most accurate answer is, "Whatever God puts before me." :)  I know I will be helping with a bit of administrative work for one of the missionary couples on the field. I will be taking Polish classes, which will give me opportunities to interact with international students. And I know I'll be partnering with a single woman, Theresa, who has worked as a missionary in Poland for five years, and in Poznan for one. I'll join her in whatever ministry efforts she has going. I am so excited for the opportunity to learn from these people! In Poznan, GEM has Theresa and two couples with teenage or adult children. I will be a sponge soaking up their wisdom, I'm sure!


Why I'm Going


Without fully realizing it, I've had a desire to live overseas for several years now.  I had a taste of missions last summer when I went to Latvia for a week, and I loved every minute, though it was hard work. And last fall, as I read through the book Crazy Love by Francis Chan, the Lord kept saying "overseas for a year, overseas for a year, overseas for a year."  After much dragging of my feet, I applied to GEM, and the ball started rolling pretty quickly. 


Through the process, GEM supplied me with three possibilities they thought would be a good fit for me, and Poland was the one that stood out. Mainly because they mentioned this woman who I'll be joining, Theresa. And I envisioned being able to be a partner and a helper... Being able to be an extra pair of hands and feet for someone who already had a vision and passion for the people.  


Since then, I have felt nothing but confirmation. Every conversation with godly friends, every conversation with the Lord, and the orientation in Colorado have brought me more and more peace about going. I feel so privileged to go on this journey! I am glad it's still two months away (eeeeeeeeek!!), because I certainly have a lot yet to do. But I could not be more excited to be going.


How Can You Be Involved?


The way the Lord designed us to support each other in community is quite beautiful, I think. When we support fellow Christians in their ministries, we become Fellow Workers with them for the truth. (3 John 7-8). I need lots of fellow workers! 


I am close to my financial goal. I must raise $17,009.10 total, and to this point I have raised around $16,000!  Thank the Lord, who provides generously! If you would still like to make a contribution, please click the link at right.


What I am concerned about more than completing fund raising is receiving committed prayer support. For some reason, God likes us to ask for things, for ourselves and each other. So will you consider committing to pray for me?  I am looking for friends to commit to pray for a week or a whole month. I have a sign up sheet so I can easily keep track, send reminders, and email prayer requests.  


Prayer Requests


There is a lot of paperwork to collect so when I arrive I can apply for a visa. My goal is to have all of it in proper order by the end of July. Please pray that I am diligent, and that I can easily navigate through the red tape. Also pray that I will be able to find someone in the IRS who can give me the correct form letter. (Who knew it would be so difficult? :) sheesh!) Secondly, the first three weeks of July I'll be traveling to visit family and friends. Pray that these weeks are restful, meaningful, and the Lord continues to prepare my heart!


Thank you!


If you've read this far, I know you truly love me. :)  I hope the approaching weekend is full of promise! 


xoxo
Steph