God's provision

My jaw nearly fell to the ground this morning when a friend of mine told me that God was really impressing on his heart to buy the Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS for me, so that I could take videos in Thailand! As he mentioned, live recordings, such as video tend to make such an impression on people... To see the sights and hear the sounds makes everything so real. So t.h.a.n.k. y.ou. kind person (:-D) for allowing God to use you in this way! Because of you, I'll not only be able to take pictures over there, but I'll also be able to bring back videos of life in Thailand!!

Today I heard from ABWE with the wonderful news that as of today, I have received $1,100! Thank you all so very much. Know that each dollar and each caring heart is definitely appreciated! I thought I'd let you know that the cost of the trip has changed based on what the plane tickets cost and our budget. In opposed to needing $2,500, now I only need to raise a total of $2,365.

ABWE also reminded me that the deadline for total funds needs to be in 2 weeks from now (at the latest), which is May 8th. This will give them just enough time to transfer funds to the Caynor’s (the missionaries) for my time spent in Thailand.

It's been truly amazing and humbling to experience this journey of faith the last couple months as I've watch God provide through people like you, my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ... and friends. Your generosity astounds me! :-) I know God is going to bless each of you for your caring and thoughtful hearts.

I heard from the missionary we are going to be working with in Thailand, and he mentioned that we will be going to a church that they started from the Tsunami ministry in the south of Thailand... there's a new building going up and they think it would be great to have some good pictures for an update. They are also trying to raise a little more money to finish the project – and they think my pictures could help! Several of the people on our team enjoy singing, so there's talk that we might practice some singing together so we can sing for the places we visit. :-) I'm excited about that!

I need to go shopping soon to buy some coloring books and pencils (with Bible verses on them) and special little things like that to give to the kids over in Thailand. Anyone have any more ideas of things I could give them?

As I was experiencing something the last few weeks, God gave me a new definition of surrender. Not that I had a bad definition before, but I felt like God just said, "Leah, this is the definition of surrender for your life." And this, my friends, is the definition the Lord so layed on my heart...

Surrender :: Allowing Him to bring anything in or take anything out of your life whenever He wants to do it; Open hands to whatever He wants. Even if it means tearing the very "bottom" of your life out.