It's Here!

Yesterday, I went to back to Birmingham to get a few last minute items. One of those being take-out menus. (Becky, the English Club coordinator in Cacak, asked me to pick up a few, because we're going to teach a unit on food.) Little did I realize the ministry opportunity I would have in asking for take-out menus. There were a few awkward places, but for the most part the people were friendly and even some would ask me questions. I had the opportunity to share where and why I was going, allowing God to speak through my few words and show them His love. On my way home, I thought about our amazing Lord. In gathering resources for my trip, He was at work in the lives of those whom I simply asked, "May I have a take-out menu?"

As for today... Well it has actually come time for me to finish packing my bags, spend one more night with my family, and wait for the incredible things that I will see God do this summer. Yes, my stomach is a little uneasy with navigating my way through the airports and traveling all by myself. As well as not knowing exactly what to expect of my summer. But like always I find comfort through God's words. In Isaiah 42:16, God says, "I will lead the blind by a way they do not know, in paths they do not know I will guide them. I will make darkness into light before them and rugged into plains. These are the things I will do, and I will not leave them undone." We can't dwell in our past nor can we dwell about our future. When we choose to follow God, there will be times we have to trust him with our everything and keep our faith that He is the one leading us.

I appreciate everyone who has lifted me up in prayer already!! and ask for you to continue to do so throughout the summer. Know that y'all are in my prayers too!! For I know God will be at work in Alabama just as much as He will be in Serbia.

I'm going to miss y'all!

Tori

Oh and about my hand, I went to the doctor this morning. It's only been a little over a week, but he said it was healing good. Fortunately, the swelling has gone down a bit, so it doesn't look so awful anymore. It's still sore and my finger has about five weeks left to heal completely. I will have to see a doctor in Serbia, but just to get x-rays and make sure everything still doing well.

God is in Control

We will not always understand why things happen when they do, but we do have to keep our faith in God and remember that HE is in control of all things!

Sunday afternoon I rode 4-wheelers with several of my friends that I will miss this summer. We were just discussing plans for supper and decided to go on one more trail before heading home. It was then, as we were all starting off, that the 4-wheeler behind us hit ours and I was unfortunately holding on to the back bar. All I saw at first was my ring all disfigured and flattened; immediately I thought I had lost my finger. I was in so much pain and I don't remember all that went on, but I do know God provided me with much comfort and gave the guys strength to do what they had to do even though it was hurting me- especially to Joey when I just told him to my pull my ring off because I knew we had no other choice at that point. Thankfully, I only broke one finger and just damaged the tissue really bad. However, it's my right hand and I can't really use it now due to all of the soreness and swelling (it looks so nasty). Therefore it's been very difficult for me to deal with my injury and being patient enough to just use my left, which is so SLOW!

Trying to get my mind off all the pain, as we were on our way to the hospital, I began to look at the ways God was at work through the whole stituation and what to praise him for...

1. we were in the middle of the woods and our phones didn't pick up well, but where the accident happened we had phone service

2. we actually had a cooler with ice

3. I was able to stay calm and really didn't ever cry until I saw Mama at the hospital

4. God was right there with us!

I don't know why God allowed this to happen to me right now as I'm getting ready to leave home for nine weeks and serve Him in Serbia. I just ask for you to pray not only for my healing, but also for my spirit not to become so depressed over it all- that's really what I've been struggling with. God allowed this to happen for a reason and I've got to remember that He's in control and will continue to take care of me. For he told Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9 "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness."

Serving in Serbia

In a little over a week (June 1st to be exact), I'll be leaving to serve God in Serbia for nine weeks! While I'm gone, I will post updates with the ways God will be working in both the Serbs and my life! I'm very excited and can't wait to be apart of the ministry already taking place in Serbia. Knowing that going to Serbia is part of God's will for my life and resting assured that He will always be with me, there's still part of me that's scared. As I've been reading through Jeremiah, God has comforted me through Jeremiah 1:7-8 "Don't say, 'I'm too young,' for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don't be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!" We serve an AMAZING God, who cares so much about each one of us!
Please keep all of us student missionaries in your prayers, as we're able to go to the ends of the earth and share the love of Jesus with other this summer!
I love you all! Tori