Time Is Ticking!

Well, this will probably be my last blog until I arrive in Liberia and get settled in. Today is spent packing and preparing for this awesome journey! I still can't believe that God called me to do this for Him. I often ask, why me. What do I have that you can use God, I am just an ordinary woman. I am not brave on my own, I am not mighty on my own, I am not any type of "whiz" at anything on my own, what do you see Lord that I can do. Then, the key words jumped out in bold flashing print, NOT ON MY OWN. I can't do ANYTHING worthwhile in this world "on my own", it is ALL through God who gives me strength. I feel that God picked me to go to Liberia for that exact reason, I am just ordinary and nothing special without Him. He will work through me, whether is be coming in contact with someone on the plane, in Liberia, or right here in my own backyard. I have asked God to use me to glorify His kingdom. Now I will tell you, I do fail sometimes and fail pretty miserably, but I find everytime that God is standing right there with His outstretched hand lifting me up and using me for His kingdom again. He has said that "you will seek me and find me, when you seek me will all of your heart." I know without a shadow of a doubt that God wants me and my family right where we are, right in the battle field of this world fighting for Him and His kingdom and spreading His love and teachings. People have asked me many times in the last couple of days if I am scared, and I have to say that really No I am not scared. God has given me peace that He will be with me from the start of this trip to the end. I also feel that when I come home He has plans from this trip, I honestly do not know what it is, but I know it is something. I just want to give God the glory for EVERYTHING that He has done through us and throughout this adoption. I will not be ashamed to glorify our Father, no matter who is offended. Jesus himself said in Luke 9:26 “For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory, and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels." How can I be ashamed of the one who layed down His life for me. God never said that it would be easy, and He is sure right, but I have thought many times throughout this whole thing, God sees what I am doing to help with His kingdom and I know He is with me and my family throughout this trip.
Well, next time I talk to you, I will be in Liberia. Thanks again to all of you that have worked so hard to encourage me. I hate to specifically thank people b/c I know I will leave someone important out. Even little notes from people that I haven't even met before have help me and know that God sent those to me at just the right time. He spoke to me through two of my very good friends just this morning when they encouraged me through their words (hey girls, God used you and you may not have even known it:)-isn't that just like our amazing Father. Another very good friend popped in last night and brought me a Dr. Pepper 2 liter even (that is my favorite), but something that simple brought a smile to my face, and I sure needed that more than she will ever know (but God knew I needed it) and another wonderful friend let us use a computer with no questions asked for this trip, he was happy to do it. God is working, just look around. Don't be afraid to let God use you, no matter how small you may think it is, it could be just what the other person needs, God knows, just listen!!

Andrea
P.S. I love you Mike, Steven and Thomas, be good and mommy (Ann) will be home soon with another one of God's special gifts! Thanks guys, I am SO blessed to have you as my family!