To Him be Glory

     Single digits. With 9 (yes, you read that correctly: NINE) days to go things in my life have slowed down considerably. I have let go of all of my responsibilities and am taking the last week to spend with my family and tie up loose ends. With that slow down I've had time to process my thoughts and return after over a month without posting here. Finding something to post about was easy this time, it pretty much slapped me in the face last night and I was like--GOD MOMENT. Must share.

 

       With so few days left I have been reflecting on and thinking back over the 7 months of preparation that has brought me to this point. During this time of reflection, whether it be at the stoplight on my way to work or as my final thoughts of the day pass through before drifting off to sleep, I have been reminded of so many details both large and small in which my only response remains "to Him be the glory".

 

 

        The largest area in which I struggled to give control over to God was when it came to money matters. When Ethiopia came onto my radar and I had committed to traveling there, my family in Ethiopia helped me figure out how much money I would need to meet my needs while in
Africa. The number: $14,000. Now to a girl who just graduated college, this seemed to be an astronomical number, which had a lot to do with my reluctance to give God the reigns. How in the world was $14,000 going to fall out of the sky? God said to me, "Child, I have brought you this far. Don't you know I'll make sure your every need is met? Put your faith in me." Well, now with roughly $17,000 and counting I am wondering why I ever doubted that the money would be there. God did not just meet my needs, He provided far more than I ever could have imagined, and He continues to provide! Each and every dollar that comes in now goes beyond my personal needs to God's plan for me while I'm there. I am overjoyed as I continue to watch hearts soften to the need to further God's kingdom in Ethiopia. I am overwhelmed to think of all the ways I can bless people because of people here that have and continue to choose to give. God has a plan for each and every dollar He provided, and all I can say is "to Him be the glory".

   

        Looking back on the past 7 months, I think of the people that God has allowed me to share my faith with here simply because of what He will have me do in the coming year. People at the churches I have been to, where I have been able to share with them a passion to spread the gospel. Random people in the store who have commented on the copious amounts of stuff I was buying--ever shopped in advance for a whole year? The man at the phone store. The lady at the post office when I got my passport. My eye doctor and dentist. Random people I talk to who ask me what I'm doing now that I graduated. The list goes on and on. What a great opportunity to share my faith and open that door with family, friends, and complete strangers. To Him be the glory.

 

        My family. Let's talk about them. I have my parents, 2 brothers, a sister, and a sister-in-law. When we are all home together our house erupts with laughter. Of all the things I enjoy in life, my family is at the top of the list and laughter comes shortly thereafter. I come from a close knit family, so naturally this up and coming change (while extremely exciting) will mean some days of wishing we were all together again. I try to always embrace time with my family, but here recently I have worked on taking in each moment. As we sit around the table for dinner and join hands to pray together I get this surreal feeling like, if it were not for these people and the faith that they poured into my life, I would not be the person I am, nor would I be traveling across the world following the calling of a lifetime. This love, these roots of mine..... To Him be the glory.

 

       Suitcases. I can fly with two large suitcases maxing out at 50lbs. Today I began packing my bags. And by began I mean, my plan was to begin, but reality is I was so excited about doing it that I ended up packing everything but my carry on! If only we had pictures of the bag-weighing process. 'Twas quite a show! I hopped on the scale as Mom hoisted the bag onto my back. I stood there hunched over like a turtle only to discover that bag numero uno was just at 50lb. Onto bag #2. I filled it up with nearly all the items I needed and once again hoisted it up to weigh. 43lbs.. Phew. I made the cut-off. With all the items left to stuff I'll be right at my limit. Post packing, there are two things on my mind... First, I'd love to meet the man who came up with the 50lb. max and give him a little talking to (I say man because no woman in her right mind would put a weight limit on luggage). Second, I am praising God that all the items I need for a year weigh a total of only 100lbs. To Him be the glory.  

 

     Four scenarios, all completely different, in which I find myself looking to God and praising Him for the ways He is in control of every detail both large and small. I return once again to Eph. 3:20-21

 

 "Now to Him that is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine, according to His power

that is at work within us, to Him be the glory."

 

All Systems are a Go

Ladies and Gentleman,

     I am pleased to announce that I am ready to hit the skies. It was 6 months ago today that I got an email from my family in Ethiopia sharing their interest in me joining their work with The Forsaken Children. It blows my mind to think that 6 months and 1 day ago I had NO earthly idea of where God would send me. What is even harder to believe is how quickly God got the ball rolling when He was ready to show me His plan. My story (here) can give you a deeper look into how things came about, but here is the super short version: I have spent 6 solid years desiring to go to Africa--2 1/2 of those years I had my "perfect Hannah plan". God called me to give up that plan just about a year ago leaving me clueless as to where He might send me. It was this time in my life when I was called to unconditionally put my trust in Him, which included faith in His timing, His location, and His plan! God did not let me down. From July until December 25th I was handed a blank canvas that was my opportunity to exibit trust without borders. A trust that was not conditional on a plan, not dependent on an opportunity I could connect to, and not wavering because of a lack of both.

      Friends, it was 6 months ago today that God blessed me with the most amazing opportunity for service. It seems only fitting that on the same day 6 months later I get the final items necessary for me to leave--my Visa and finances.

      What an affirming reminder of the amazing power and faithfulness of our God! I had no idea what all went in to leaving the country when this journey to Ethiopia began (which is probably a good thing, finding out once piece at a time worked for me). I am here to share with you that my God is so much bigger than the long list of details, He is so much in control of each and every item that had to come together.

      What a joy it is to be able to post that I am READY TO GO! I have my passport, plane ticket, shots, training, and as of this week I have my visa and have reached the $14,000 mark. The only thing keeping me away from my dream come true of serving in Africa is the date on the calendar.

      What a journey it has been--but to know that my all of my legal needs are met brings such joy. Likewise, I find joy in knowing that he has given me all I need financially to meet my basic needs while on the field, but I cannot wait to see how far above and beyond He goes in order for me to do all that He has in store for me and His children.

      I am sitting here with butterflies in my stomach. What a blessing these past few months have been, watching God lead my fragile heart to depths that we have never plunged to before. God called me to trust Him with things far beyond what I could handle on my own. Just looking back on how much my relationship with my Heavenly Father has been strengthned through this process overwhelmes me. Taking it a step further, looking at how far God and I have come in the planning process, I cannot even fathom how much my time on the field will deepen and strengthen my connection with God. Wow: that is all I can say. Just... WOW! We serve an amazing God, it is as simple and yet as complex as that.

      I have 41 days until I take off. That is 41 more days for God to blow me away with how He provides. We're talking 41 days for God to prepare me emotionally and spiritually to head off while simultaneously forming the depths of who I am to further His kingdom in a rural village in Ethiopia.

      God's timing is amazing--sometimes early but never late. To think, 6 months ago today this journey literally just began for me, and now, 6 months to the day later I have reached my fundraising goal and received the last of the necessary paperwork items. I have been blessed!

Take a moment to praise God with me today for these blessings. Now, think about how He has been at work in your life over the past 6 months, and praise Him for the journey.

I'm All About Africa

       Let's face it y'all, I'm obsessed with Africa. There is no way around it. I have a passion for the continent, would happily talk about it until I'm blue in the face, and desire nothing more than to serve the people of a place I know only in my heart. That's the key though, it's in my heart, it is ingrained in me as deeply as it can get.

       Friends, I am only fifty-one days away from setting foot on warm African soil, filling my lungs with air from the place that has filled my heart for years now. Fifty-one days away from living out my dream. Fifty-one days away from the faces of the precious children that are so a part of my zest for service. Fifty-one days...

        Over the past few weeks in preparation to go:  

• I tried Ethiopian food for the first time. Yumm-O!
• I traveled to Mississippi for a week to go through Global Outreach International's training program: a week of intense mission field prep. From 8am-6pm, a trainer, myself, and 8 other missionaries covered everything from how to best use the abilities that God has given us to dealing with medical issues that may arise. We worshiped and prayed together, we talked about our hopes and fears, and we went through the ins and outs of being a GO missionary. What a blessing the week was.
• I BOUGHT MY PLANE TICKET! Enough said.
• I sent off my Visa paperwork--please pray that everything goes through the system without a hitch.

       As it seems like over the past month my life has oozed conversation about Africa, I am beginning to realize that this mission trip is no longer a long ways off in the distance. It is well on its way. I have less than two months until take-off, and as these short weeks close one after another, I will only share more and more about my passion. A window into my heart... That is what these conversations are. Luke 6:45 describes this portion of my life to a tea.

"Her mouth speaks from that which fills her heart."

It is quite obvious what fills my heart.... A not so little place called Africa.



Announcing a New Partnership

        I am so excited to be sharing with you that I have a new sending organization: Global Outreach International.  After completing a week of training at their home office in Mississippi, I feel even more confident than ever in going onto the mission field. Global Outreach (GO) will be taking care of many of my administrative details so that I can focus on the job that God has called me to. One of the items that GO will handle is my budget and finances: Let me share with you a few changes to donation opportunities...


How to Donate*:

• By mail: (Put Acct # 4260 in memo)

Global Outreach

PO Box 1

Tupelo, Mississippi 38802

• Online: Click here to go to GO's missionary page. Click "donate" by my picture.

     *Global Outreach is accredited by the ECFA, and 100% of all donations made to my account go straight to my mission. 

Not Your Normal Graduate

    This past Saturday, I graduated from college. The whole day was beyond exciting as up until this point my goal and purpose in life was to graduate. I'll tell you though, even as I celebrated with my friends and family the success of all those years of hard work, my mind was far from my small-town school... far from the orange and black that I've grown accustomed to sporting... far from the ceremony that honored our accomplishments. My mind was on my future. As the speakers talked about the people that were leaving the university and going out to become doctors, lawyers, film directors, teachers,  athletic trainers, and so many more great jobs, I found myself feeling like I was against the odds. You see, my destination won't make me big bucks (or any bucks for that matter), I won't have a wardrobe filled with "work clothes", I won't even have a flushing toilet come to think of it, but I will be filled. I will be happier than a bird with a french fry. I will be full of life, love, and purpose.

     Sunday morning my mom greeted me with words that ring true in my heart, "You did it Hannah. You graduated. Now nothing stands between you and your dreams, you and your purpose. Welcome to the rest of your life." Mom somehow put into words everything that I had been feeling the day before--Graduation day.

     I am now only 80 days away from flying off. I have confirmed my date and found my ticket. Later this week I'll make it official by making the big purchase. I have a feeling butterflies will be a'flyin when I confirm my seat. In other exciting news, I'm 75% funded. That could be a post in and of itself. My prayers have shifted now to praying that I have enough to go, to praying that God will continue to call people to give above and beyond allowing me to serve longer.

This week, please keep these things in your prayers:

• Mission Training: I am heading to Mississippi for training the first week in June. Please pray for energy for the trip and safe travels as it will take about 12 hours to get there. Pray that God will use that time to fill me with the knowledge that I need to enter the mission field of Ethiopia. Pray that the fellowship with other missionaries will be impacting and meaningful. While in Mississippi I'll get to train alongside the co-founders of The Forsaken Children (the brother and sister-in law of the family I'll be living with) as they are preparing to return to Ethiopia full time later this year. I'm very excited to spend time with them and get to hear many of their experiences.  

• Pray that fundraising continues to go swimmingly. God has blown me away with the generosity of His people. I have no doubt in my mind that I will be fully funded in the coming weeks. My prayer now, as mentioned before, is that God will far exceed my fundraising goal and allow me the opportunity to stay in service longer. I am so excited to see how far above $14,000 we can get. Please pray that people continue to give generously.

     Thank you for your continued support. As always, I thank God for each of you and your prayers daily. This experience has been a blessing beyond any I could have imagined. God is good all the time, and all the time God is good! Join with me in praising Him for the post-graduation adventure He has called me to.

Travel with Me: 99 to Go!

         We have made it to the double digits. I cannot believe it! Was it not just yesterday that I was in awe of making it to the150 day mark? So, with 99 days until I take off, I thought I would give you all a photo tour of the life I am stepping into--a life that is my dream come true.

Here is just a small peak into Ethiopia. 

This is what my work will look like in Ethiopia. Here, my host Jess is working with the village kids. When I say "teaching the kids of the village" this is a very realistic view of what I mean. 

This is where I'll be living. Welcome to my home!

Here is a peak into the kitchen area. And below..... Bathroom anybody?

For now, this is what we're looking at for water... However, I believe I heard word that there may be a pump that works during the rainy season. 

       

          From what I understand, this is a shot from my back yard (or close to it). Talk about a view! This is the farm I will be living at. The Forsaken Children, the organization I am working with, is working to establish sustainability for their street children mission project. They do this through teaching the people of Ethiopia about agriculture. Between their orchard and chicken hatchery, they've got it going on. 

       These are pictures of the place that holds my heart. I have not yet been there, and all I have shared is what I have gathered from e-mails with my amazing host family... but somehow, in some unexplainable way, I feel like I know this place. Like it is already home.

Please continue to pray for everybody involved as this journey of life continues.


(All pictures are property of J & J Bridges---jrb428@wordpress.com) 

Power in Prayer

Hopefully you`ve been able to check out the prayer tab at the top of the page, but it is my goal to periodically post seperate prayer requests here just to keep things fresh and on your mind. This week, I have quite a few things you can keep on your heart as you go to the Father in prayer...

Pray for my spiritual life: I feel closer to God now more than ever before as He is so evident in my life. I have been blessed by His closeness, but it does not just happen. Please continue to pray that I seek first the Savior and continue to grow closer to Him. Of all the things that need to be in good order before I leave, my continally growing relationship with God needs to be first. After all, how can I passionately share the Gospel if I am not thirsting for it in my everyday life?

Pray for the details: Things are coming together better than I ever could have dreamed of! While on spring break I was able to share at a local church, get my shots, work on finding a flight, and send off the final paperwork necessary to team up with Global Outreach. In the coming weeks I plan to book a flight, head to training in Mississippi for a week, and work on getting my Visa. Oh, and did I mention that we have my brother's wedding and my graduation thrown in that mix, too? :) Please continue to pray that the details come together smoothly. 

Pray for my family: Conversation about Ethiopia has pretty much worked its way into every aspect of my social life. I cannot tell you the last time I had a conversation that did not, at least at some point, work its way back to my trip. I see this especially with my family. Please pray for them as they continue to get used to the idea of being appart for a while. They are incredibly supportive and excited about how real this calling is in my life, but that doesn't make the realities of a year or more appart any easier. 

To those of you that have committed to supporting me through prayer, know that I thank The Lord for you daily! Prayer makes all things possible, and I am ever-so-grateful to have yours. 

Check back in soon for a support update!