5 more days. . .

Yesterday, the reality of everything set in. I’m leaving for Russia in 5 DAYS! And there’s so much left to do and pack. So much work that needs to get done and I’m exhausted. SO MUCH!!!! I also found out that we need $400-500 spending money to pay for meals and such in Russia. I’m sorry, but that’s a lot for me to spend, especially all at one time! I was at an emotional low point last night as I pondered going into my savings for this money. On top of all of that, my legs and feet inexplicably started swelling and hurting. (Actually, my legs still hurt this morning. I’m not sure what’s going on there.) Last night, I was convinced that there was no way I’d be able to actually go on this trip. And there was definitely no way I’d be able to come up with $400-500 and be able to eat anything while I was there.

This morning wasn’t much better. I woke up tired (I couldn’t sleep last night because of my legs and worries and was forced to take Tylenol PM, which always leaves me in a bit of a haze.) On my way to work, though, I happened to pop in my CDs for Russia. God really convicted me with a couple of the songs we’ll be singing in Russia. I called you to this and I’ll make sure you can do it, He reminded me with one of my favorite hymns, “It is Well with my Soul.” Then came “The Majesty and Glory of Your Name.” How can I doubt God when He is full of majesty, glory, and power? The God who spoke the world into being from NOTHING can surely make sure I have money to eat in Russia. The truth is, I have the money. It’s just in savings, and that’s what’s bothering me. God has blessed me with that money to save so far, and He’ll bless me if I use it for His glory. Who knows, maybe that’s why He gave it to me in the first place!

So keep me and my attitude about this trip in your prayers. Pray that I will trust God with all the worries and frustrations I’m dealing with right now. Pray that my legs and feet will stop aching and swelling. Pray for the health of team members on this trip–we’ll be doing a lot of walking and possibly some sports camps, so we need to be in top form physically. Pray for the team going to Ivananov, Russia, and the restrictions and dangers they’ll face just by being Christians who happen to be there. Pray most of all that we focus on God and allow Him to work through us, no matter what the circumstances.

P.S. The highlight of my morning so far has been getting to see my soon-to-be-born niece, Baby Girl Smathers (my best bud Dawn and Daniel’s baby girl). Dawn had a 3D ultrasound and I got to see the baby’s face!