13 More Days

Hey y'all!

It is hard to believe that I actually graduate in 13 days. Where has this year gone? Am I really done with graduate studies? Crazy! I have finished some huge things that were on my plate so I am feeling much less stress as far as school goes. This coming week I have to do all of my work for my weekend class, which will take a while, but is not too difficult. After that, I'm done! As of the second class gets done on Saturday I am done with everything!

Ah, there is light at the end of the tunnel! The last week will consist of reading Ted Dekkers newest novel, cleaning my house, packing up my stuff, shopping for appropriate clothes for North Africa at some local thrift stores, saying goodbye to friends and getting to see family that is coming down for my graduation. I am really looking forward to these next couple of weeks!

The undergrad graduation was yesterday so our campus has turned into a ghost town. I have never heard it so quiet or seen it so deserted. This will be an interesting last two weeks with only graduate and seminary students on campus. With the undergrads being done, it means that our team has said goodbye until May 23rd when we will all meet up in Atlanta for some orientation before heading to North Africa on the 25th.

This brings me to some important prayer requests. As those of you who have been following this blog for a while know, it is called Josie's Jericho for a reason. There are often things in my life that remind me of a huge wall that seems impenetrable. However, just as at Jericho where the Israelites walked around the walls and finally they came tumbling down, I have seen that as I walk around the walls in my own life through prayer, they come tumbling down as well.

So, I have some "walls" for you to walk around with me in regards to North Africa. One is finances. I am convinced that God is going to provide financially in one way or another. He has encouraged our team in little ways. However, the reality is that we still need in a LOT of money in a very short period of time. Personally, I still need $3,697.00. To me, this seems like a huge wall, yet I know that to God it is just money and He can easily provide it. Please pray with us that all of our finances would come in on time. If you feel that God would have you help meet this need in a practical way, that would be great too! Another "wall" for you to walk around with our team is the health of one of our team leaders. He has rheumatoid arthritis and will find out on the 16th if he can go on the trip this summer or not. We are praying for complete healing. He has been feeling much better lately and we trust that God has called him to play a vital role on this team and will heal him. The last "wall" that you can walk around with us is for a visa for one of our team members. Because she is from Honduras, she needs a visa before she leaves, the rest of us will receive ours when we arrive in country. It has been sent in and we are praying that it will be processed and returned in time.

On a personal note, I was able to rent a great apartment for when I get back this summer. I felt good in signing the lease because I only have to give 30 days notice when I move and the deposit goes toward the first month's rent. So, I have a place to stay that is very near campus and close to friends. Now I just need a job. The interview that I wrote about last time went really well. I am very qualified for the job and it would pay enough to get my loans paid off. Their obvious concern is that they would be hiring me and I would probably only be there 10 months. However, the woman who interviewed me liked me a lot and wanted to hire me so I am encouraged. Hopefully I will hear back soon one way or another. I have also started the process to head overseas for my first four year term in a year. There is a lot I need to do in the next year and even before I leave for North Africa. Yikes!

So there is a lot to be seeking the Lord for and praising Him for. I see His fingerprints all over my life and I praise Him for His loving guidance and care for me. Thank you all so much for joining with me as victorious prayer warriors, for the battle belongs to the Lord!

I will try to update you before I leave for North Africa. However, if I don't get that chance, know that I covet your prayers this summer. Thank you for taking this journey with me!

By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days.

~ Hebrews 11:30