My Power is Made Perfect In Your Weakness

This morning started out to be a relaxing day, except for the fact that all through the night the cat was trying to wake me up to play, and all morning the dog was scratching at my door trying to play with me too. I had to call the doctor who recently left Cameroon today. While i was on the phone with him, the obligation and sense of responsibility that i am gong to have in Cameroon fell on me like a bolder. I was shocked. I don't know if i was not listening before, but the doctor told me that there will be no doctor at the hospital when i arrive. Also, he said that not only am I there without doctor, performing duties that an RN would perform such as IV's, catheters, medications, I am going to be the only American present in the town. Now... i could have flipped out over this information (and quite honestly i did a little) but the verse that popped into my head lead me to peace. I can do this Lord, i can get through this AND the best part about it is now i can know that it is ALL God working in my life. It is certainly not me who has any power in this situation. I'm leaving it up to the Lord to fashion and mold me into #1 Nurse. The verse goes like this, it is very familiar: "But, He said to me, 'My grace is enough for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' So then, I will boast most gladly about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may reside in me. Therefore I am CONTENT with weaknesses, with insults, with troubles, with persecutions and difficulties for the sake of Christ, for whenever I am weak, then I am strong!" 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. God continues to amaze me...

Constant Calling On My Life

Lately i haven't wanted to read the gospels. For some stupid reason i have thought that I always turn to the stories that i've read over and over again...its a horrible thought i know. The other day i decided to randomly turn to a gospel and read whatever i put my eyes on. After what God has revealed to me this summer, i am sure that he directs me to certain verses and puts a passion on my heart when i read them. I turned to the chapter in Mark when Jesus is SENDING HIS TWELVE DISCIPLES OUT (Just like me)! I love it when verses just come together and I can hear God literally speaking to me through them. Mark 6:7-10 "Calling the Twelve to him, He sent them out two by two and gave them authority over evil spirits. These were his instructions: 'Take nothing for the journey except a staff--no bread, no bag, no maney in your belts. Wear sandals but not an extra tunic. Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town. And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, SHAKE OFF THE DUST OFF YOUR FEET WHEN YOU LEAVE, AS A TESTIMONY AGAINST THEM!'" Its incredible to know that He directed me to this verse closer to when i leave because i don't think i would have taken it the same way earlier this summer. I was just terrified of going, so he gave me words of comfort, and this to me is now preparing me and warning me for the hard times that might come my way...BUT God is by my side, He's got my back, and i have nothing to fear if i put my trust in him. Certainly, i'm not going to be careless in any way when i arrive, but God knows what i can handle and what i can't! Like i said before, bring it on africa:) I am as ready as i'm gonna be.

God Reveals, God Answers Prayers

As the summer has been progressing, my patience is becoming less and less. I have gone through many questions in my head about Cameroon. What is it going to be like? Is it safe? Can God really use me in a powerful way? Why did he call me there? Am i going to like it? When will i want to come home again? Questions like this keep haunting me everywhere i go, but they also give me a chance to look for the answers in the Bible. I know that nothing in the Bible says "Elissa, you are going to be used by God in powerful ways when you go to Cameroon", but when i was reading in Isaiah, i found a passage that is very similar and spoke to my heart. It was like God was telling me those exact words. "Arise! Shine! For your light arrives! The splendor of the Lord shines on you! For, look, darkness covers the earth and deep darkness covers the nations [Cameroon], but the Lord shines on you [Elissa]; his splendor appears over you. Nations come to your light, kings to your bright light. Look all around you! They all gather and come to you-- your sons come from far away and your daughters are escorted by guardians. Then you will look and SMILE, you will be excited and your heart will swell with pride..." Isaiah 60:1-5. The amazing thing about these verses is that they are just a chapter before the chapter i read when i was in Haiti about rebuilding ruins. My experience in Haiti is definitely preparing me for Cameroon. God is working! Now, i know i'm not anything close to Zion (which is what the chapter is talking about), but God really spoke through those verses. I can't wait until i can allow humbleness to take ahold of me, and God to work miracles where i am going.

The Beginning

After much procrastination, i have finally started my blog:) It's already been a huge journey figuring out whether i'm going to Ethiopia, Cameroon, or anywhere else in this world. Praying has been often, freaking out has been in there too, but mostly excitement for where God is leading me. Cameroon is the final destination. For those who know me well, i will TRY to write every once and awhile, but i can't promise anything. I do promise that i will remember the most important things, and give you an update at times. Bring it on Africa!!! I'm ready for anything.... or am i? Please keep me in prayers as i prepare to leave and pray for the people waiting for me to show up. I should be leaving on September 15, but who knows, it might be changed. This will be an experience of my life! Still can't believe i'm finally doing this:)!