Technology

I am so thankful for technology!
Even though sometimes it is a time-sucker, it has sustained me this last week. All of the fb messages, emails, and Skype calls really make living on the other side of the world from family and friends bearable. If I'm honest with myself, I have cried myself to sleep at least one night this week  (let's assume jet-lag had something to do with it) because I miss familiarity with people. I've become very comfortable in my Western bubble in the last few years surrounded by family and friends. I'm praying God pops that bubble (as gently as possible) and leads me one step closer towards His heart for the Muslim world.
But along the way, I will be grateful for situations like the joint birthday song my family sang to my Grandmother and I from halfway around the world :)

Changes

In the last week, life has changed drastically …

Last week, I was attending meetings about cultural awareness and how overseas development work differs from the US. Today, I attended a meeting in Egypt about company expectations and safety precautions.

Last week, I could call anyone I wanted to at any time and wi-fi was prevalent. Today, my phone was a camera and calendar only.

Last week, I had my own car, blended in wherever I went, and could communicate with anyone. Today, I walked to work and a market with a friend, while attempting to communicate with the only relevant work I know so far: “Shukran” / “Thank you”.

I am ever thankful to be living in the beautiful and historic city of Cairo! I am even more thankful for the blessing of people to make this transition easier!

Tomorrow is a holiday … January 25^th, Revolution Day! 

Last Week

Today

Small Blessings

As I wandered around the airport in Denver for 6hrs prior to my flight, God gave me a unique and precious gift. I decided to walk outside for a stretch because it was so nice and I was tired of being inside. As I was strolling down the “departures” sidewalk with my luggage in tow, I suddenly spotted a friend dropping family off. They had been in town for her bridal shower. Shocked as we both were at our paths crossing in this manner, I received a few strong hugs before she drove off. Thank you, Lord, for knowing just what I needed before I left. 

Jehovah-Jireh

Jehovah-Jireh ... the LORD will provide!
I have definitely seen Him at work providing for me in the last couple of weeks:

• Leading up to my defense I was overwhelmed by the support and encouragement I had from the Body!
• Finances have been tight this month, but He has provided just enough when necessary.
• Financial support for my trip is hovering at 50%! Praise God for moving in the generous hearts of my friends and family members!
• He provided an extra day to chill with my boyfriend and parents this last weekend due to weather delays.
• He provided a phone with international sim-card capabilities through a friend.

He truly sustains and provides all we need. Praise His Name!

I'm a Master!

I did it! It's over! I passed by Masters' defense!
Ok, well, actually WE did it. I, the Holy Spirit living inside of me, my parents who have assisted me financially, my local community who have been so encouraging, my roommate who walked through it all with me second hand, and the many fellow graduate students who trudged threw assignments along with me. WE did it! And I couldn't have done it without you all!
Lord, thank you that we are not meant to do life alone!
"The Lord is my strength and my song; He has given my victory!
   This is my God and I will praise Him."    ~Ex. 15:2
   

The Journey Continues

Apparently I started this blog four years ago when I first moved to Colorado ... and once I found a job promptly forgot about it. I kept journaling on paper though. Guess I'm old fashioned. I want to start using this blog again to document how God is growing me and how He is working around the world. Join me on this journey, will you?

What's this all about!?

So ... what's this all about?

Let's face it, we all ask that question about one thing or another ... or maybe life in general. Especially when you've got very little else to do. 
Yes, I know the Biblical answer and I believe it. But that doesn't mean I don't ponder what it's really suppose to look like here, physically, hour by hour.

One struggle that I was able to put into words after the first month of living overseas in a new country was one of "justifying my existance". Up until I arrived in Azerbaijan, I justified my existance with friends, family, a job, exercise, church, etc. - aka stuff that filled my day that gave me self significance. Only when I had chosen to leave all of this, and before I had established any of it somewhere else, did I realize that I had a problem.
And the problem wasn't because I was overseas or had stepped out of God's will somewhere along the way ... the problem followed me there, followed me to Houston and now resides in Fort Collins.
It's ME.

There's a pattern in every place I choose to move. Excitement, realization, desperation and then surrender. Excitement in a new place with new opportunities; Realization that I am going to have to work hard to get what I want out of being there; Desperation when I realize it's not coming together as planned and I spent hours doing "nothing"; and finally Surrender, where I fall on my knees saying I can't do it - "I can't justify my life!"  Then God, in his ever loving way, reminds me (for the millionth time), "Of course you can't, Julie, I've already done it. My Son justified your existance ... the very breath you take. Why are you trying to out-do that?"  (ugh ... heart piercing)

I think I am going to try to skip the "desperation stage" this time and surrender.

What's it all about? Love, Faith and Trust ... in none other than my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!