The Unexpected

As some of you know, the past couple of weeks have been filled with some surprising health news. In prep for my trip, I visited the dentist, who told me I had a lump in my neck and to go to my doctor.  So I went to my doctor who confirmed the lumps, and said she didn't know what they were so off I went to an endochrinologist who told me I have four growths on my thyroid.  Two weeks ago I had a biopsy on three of the four growths to check for thyroid cancer.  Yep, that's right, I said cancer.  Yesterday, my doctor called and told me the biopsy was inconclusive - some things suggested they were benign, others suggested malignant.  The only way to tell if it's cancer or not, is to remove the growths and my thyroid.  So on June 9, I have an appointment with a surgeon to talk about the timeframe/plan for surgery, treatment, etc.  

Whew! Just writing the quick synopsis of the story feels crazy, but there it is.   I still can't believe I'm unemployed, supposed to be leaving for Africa in 22 days and wondering if I have cancer or not.  It's been a lot to think about, worry about, freak out about, etc. but my friends and family have been unbelievable in their support and love for me which I am so grateful for.  

Here's what I think know for certain:

(notice that 'think' is in bold - because really what I'm learning these days is to take one day at a time and rest in God's sovereignty) 

- I am going to Africa regardless of cancer or no cancer, maybe just a few weeks later than I had originally planned. 

- I am going to have my thyroid and growths removed, most likely within the next couple of weeks.

- God is in control, I'm not, and that's okay because really, if I was in charge, I'd be in a lot more trouble than I am in now:)

I'll covet your prayers in the next couple of weeks and will keep you updated on any developments.  

-Kristen

Unemployment

Today, I am officially unemployed, and so far, it's not so bad. I'm amazed at how many thing I have to do in preparation for just a few months in Africa, so these next couple of weeks will be spent packing, preparing and scrambling for my departure date which is only a month and a half away!

Yesterday at church, we have a guest from World Vision with us as we packed Caregiver Kits to send to Africa. Lister, a pastor's wife in Zambia, joined us in worship and during out kit build, where I discovered she knows a lot of people with CRWRC in Lusaka, where she lives and where I will be based. She gave me her phone number to call her when I arrive - praise God for a new friend in Lusaka! I am continually amazed at how all the pieces are coming together for this trip.

That's all for now - I'm off to the post office to mail in my visa info. Thanks for reading
Kristen

An Earlier Departure Date!

This afternoon, I got a big surprise when I found out I'm going to be leaving almost a month earlier than I had originally planned.  My first departure date was going to be July 15, but now is bumped up to June 21.  I commented to our office staff today that it serves me right for complaining that the time between leaving CotC and when I leave for Africa is an difficult length - too short to look for a job, too long to just be hanging around.  So I guess God heard my prayer in the form of complaints and moved it up for me:)  The good news about this is that I'll be traveling with Ruth Majawa, who works with CRWRC and is married to a Malawian pastor.  We'll fly together to Uganda, spend a week or so there, go to Nairobi, Kenya and spend a couple more days there and then she'll leave for Malawi, and I'll travel to Zambia to where I'll be based at.  I'm glad to be traveling with someone on the way over there, plus it will be nice to have a friend the first week or so to make my transition a little smoother.  

More good news on the finance front - people put another $1212 in the offering plate this weekend at church which brings my new grand total up to $10,025.  Only $3975 more to go!  

I'm so encouraged so far.  God truly is my great provider!

-Kristen

My Brand New Blog!

One of my steps in preparing for my upcoming trip to Africa, I'm starting a blog - hooray!  So this is it, my first blog entry ever...I promise that future entries will be more exciting than this one!  For now, a few updates:

I'm leaving for Lusaka, Zambia sometime in mid July and will be returning to the US in early November.  I've found someone to sublet my cottage which is a huge blessing, and will be driving up to Seattle July 1 to spend a little time with my family, and also to leave my car at my parents house while I'm gone.  I'm also thinking it will be nice to come back to loving parents, home cooked meals and an organized house - basically a small escape from the reality of returning to life totally different than pre-Africa - instead of the challenges of moving back in my cottage, looking for a job, etc.  

My current total of fundraising equals $8813.  $5187 to go!  I've passed the half way mark in one Sunday love offering so I'm feeling very encouraged so far financially.  

All of my shots are up to date because of my travels in Kenya and Uganda this fall so the only pain in the foreseeable future is the challenge of packing for 3 1/2 months in one suitcase.  I'm sure my family is already taking bets on how many/how few pairs of shoes I'll be taking.  

That's all for now.  Thanks for reading!

-Kristen