Its raining here in Kona, and all of my roommates just went out the door for the Jericho walk. Thats when they carry all the luggage they plan to take on outreach around the campus to see if they packed too heavy or not. Im not packed yet, and here is why:
As many of you know, I have had foot trouble for about ten years and had surgery a while back. Before I came on this trip, I saw the doctor and he suggested a surgery again when I came home from this trip. However I will be coming back to Tallahassee sooner than that for surgery which will be in January. On Saturday I sprained the same foot while running. Yes, barefoot. But on my defense I was on the beach this time. I twisted it on a rock. The doctor here told me it was unwise to trek around the amazon without getting surgery first on the previous problem I have had with the bones. At first I thought this was an attack of the enemy, and so did others. Many faithful stewards prayed healing over me this past week here on campus. I believe 100% that the Lord heals...in His timing. My foot is still in a lot of pain and it hurts to walk. But sometimes it is a lot more than just the physical that He wants to heal. I have learned He can use things like this to close doors and open new ones. I got a second opinion today from the doctor back in Tallahassee over the phone. I described the pain to her and she said that the sprain that I got when I twisted it could take a lot longer to heal than I think. Apparently it is best to get the already-needed surgery soon. So the sprain can take time to heal too. This is not 'manditory' but I believe the Lord is telling me that this is what is needed for the time being.
So what happens now with the outreach money that has been raised? It still goes to outreach. I will be home long enough for the surgery and some healing and will then head right back out. I believe the Lord wants me to stay on board with YWAM to complete the DTS by going on outreach, which they allow people to do who have to go home for one reason or another. You just jump on board with another DTS crew. If the Lord wills it, I hope to join with the base in the middle east actually. One of our speakers this month runs one of the schools over there and we have been discussing some of the wonderful things we know God wants to do in the middle east. YES!
Please do not be discouraged. God has been showing me that sometimes He has a different path than you thought, even though it may have been a good one. He is the Potter and I am the clay. Does the clay tell the potter how to mold it? My calling remains, surgery should not stop one who is called ; ) Please please PLEASE pray for my heart in this. The spiritual aspect means much more to me (and to God) than the physical. Pray that my heart will press even more into God during this time and that I will be sensitive to what He asks me to do even before I recover. My hope is that I would treasure Him more than anything else and obey His directions for my life.
Hope all is well. I will continue to keep you updated. Supporters, THANK YOU. God has put you on my heart. You will be receiving more direct news by mail soon.
The Flame Goes Forward!
