I almost decided not to apply this year.
On July 25th in the wee hours of the early morning, while at work and with a little free time, after weeks of indecisiveness, I decided to apply for this years Musana Medical Team. Those of you who have been following this blog for a while might remember that last year was a really big deal for me because I was able to join a team of medical professionals and travel to Africa to serve the people of Uganda. It was a 10 day mission trip. It was my third (or fourth?) time applying to go to Musana and it was my first time being selected. Those two weeks changed my life.
Speaking of– Life has been complicated these past several months since that trip. With the move to Alaska and then the move back from Alaska, life in Colorado + traveling to/from Eastern Colorado for work every week and of course the recent cancer diagnosis my lab received — I ruled Africa out. Once the cancer diagnosis was in I just gave the thought a firm no. Job wise, Africa is out. Financially, Africa is out. Timeline wise, Africa is out.
But, God.
I was offered an extension at my current contract and will stay just until a few days before Africa. I am a contract worker which means no PTO (paid time off). No vacation days unless I specifically get them in my contracts prior to starting, and no pay for the days I don’t work. You can imagine that securing a contract job right up until I leave is absolutely crucial. God did that.
Zainey, my lab, is on the mend after surgery and doing really well. The fact that I could even afford the surgery is a blessing. It was expensive, but worth every penny. She’s doing well and one week post-op she’s fully on the mend. We’re still hoping (and praying) she won’t need a follow up surgery, radiation or chemo.
And time wise. Well, as mentioned just above, my contract ends right before I leave. Ben will be here to watch the dogs and considering how he is the most supportive man on earth, I know I can leave to Africa and not worry as much as if they were with anyone else.
God did that, too 😉
I was walking through the grocery store when I got the official “You’re in” phone call. “Welcome to the 2019 Musana Medical Team”
I get to join three members of the team from last year + 8 other medical professionals. We’ll head back to Africa on October 28th. I can’t wait. Stay tuned for information on how you can support this years medical trip — because I’ll need God for that, too.
“What is the task of the church? We are to embody Jesus Christ by doing what He did and what He continues to do through us: declare—using both words and deeds—that Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords who is bringing in a kingdom of righteousness, justice, and peace. And the church needs to do this where Jesus did it, among the blind, the lame, the sick and outcast, and the poor.” Steve Corbett, When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor . . . and Yourself
| jenn at home | 