Dang, God is GOOD.

So, God's generosity and faithfulness absolutely astounds me.

For quite some time now, I have struggled in my faith when it comes to financial stability. I have been asking God to challenge and grow me in this way and felt His nudge to quit my job back in September, in order to more adequately perform my duties at my full-time social work internship and to pour into people that God had put into my life. This was a huge leap of faith, as I had numerous bills to pay and a $4400 goal to reach for Zambia, but not surprisingly, God got me through it! Since finishing my internship, He has provided in enormous ways and I want to give you a brief idea of how He has done so!

-Well over 100% of my $4400 Zambia goal was taken care of through generous donations from family and friends. (Approximately $5000 was donated!!!!)

-I have had nearly twenty opportunities to babysit for several families over the past couple months, which has significantly helped me financially. I also had a chance to dog-sit for a week and help clean a couple of houses! (Thank you to the families who gave me these opportunities!)

-Felt God giving me the nudge to ask for a donation of an acoustic guitar to bring to Zambia, so that I could teach someone how to play and then give them the guitar when I leave there. Within an hour of posting this request on Facebook, I was given a brand new guitar. The next day I was given a donation to help buy items like guitar strings, a tuner, picks, etc. to go along with it.

-God provided an opportunity to travel to Zambia with an amazing family from my home church, rather than travelling alone.

-I received money from my college graduation to create a financial cushion for when I get back from Zambia, until I find a job.

-I have been given countless words of encouragement and prayers for my trip and overall well-being.

-A handful of letters have been sent to me, to be opened in Zambia when I am wanting a little reminder of home!

-I was given all the essentials that I will need for my trip (bug spray, travel-sized stuff for the plane rides, sunscreen, books, etc.) as Christmas presents.

-While my car usually gives me a lot of troubles in the winter and ends up costing me a lot of time and money, I have had virtually NO problems with it, thus far. HUGE blessing.

-I've been given God's peace in nearly every aspect of my trip and in life when I get back.

-I will have the opportunity to spend some time back at home before I leave, to hang out with family and friends there.

-God has grown me in insane ways; especially in the areas of humility and faith.

This is only scratching the surface of what God's been up to! What an amazing feeling, to be used by God and to see Him working in light of that obedience. Continuing to pray that everything that comes from my mouth, every work from my hands, every bit of strength would be used to glorify Him who has provided it all out of His grace and mercy. (Ultimately wanting to live out 1 Peter 4:11).

Thank you thank you thank you to all who have supported me in any way. Seriously can't say thank you enough. Please let me know if there is anything I can be doing to pray for you!