First Heartbeat.

Where to start…I am overwhelmed with so many emotions and feelings right now. I am patiently awaiting Monday, May 10th, 12:50pm with eager anticipation as I head into the unknown. I’m not sure what to expect in terms of what I’ll be doing, learning, or experiencing (which is a perfectly healthy place to be in), but it can sometimes make a person feel anxious and even a bit “numb” to reality, as if reality is only my imagination.

It has been so hard for me to truly believe that I am actually going to the Democratic Republic of Congo this summer to work in the field of literacy and Bible translation; to actually experience a world that I have only dreamed about for as long as I can remember. It has been difficult for it to truly “sink in”, and I don’t think it actually will until I am IN Congo walking on its soil, sharing life with its people, listening to the beautiful sounds that come from their living hearts (even if I cannot understand a word they’re saying…), smelling the scents that are only found in Africa, and seeing its culture come to life in my heart and mind. It will be a breathtaking experience, and one that has been long awaited.

I have been realizing the past few days, as I prepare for this unbelievable journey, that this is truly a gift from my sweet Friend, Jesus. He is giving me the desires of my heart!! I cannot explain to you the feeling of such a gift; I’m still trying to figure out how to express my complete and passionate gratitude to Him. He is such a great and loving God who absolutely ADORES giving His children gifts. I’m in awe of Him.

The work that Wycliffe does all around the world constantly brings joy to my heart. The dear people who put their hearts and their commitment into providing the Word of God for people who have never even heard the name of Jesus, is the most inspiring and self-less thing I have ever heard of. I am so excited to see first hand how God is using this organization to spread His LOVE to the entire world.

Well, you’d better get ready, because we’re all going to Congo this summer!! I will be posting updates as frequently as possible, all depending on the internet situations wherever I’m at. Please feel free to email me though; I would love to hear from you! I’ll do my very best to respond :)
My email address is:
jodi.in.wonderland@gmail.com

So, as I prepare for this journey, please keep me in your heart and in your prayers (wherever you are in the world!), and in my heart, you will be also.

Thank you for being a part of this adventure!!


Prayer Requests:
-For the transition period: I will be in Nairobi, Kenya for 6 days before heading to Bunia, Congo (my first stop before flying to Isiro where I will be for 6 weeks)
-For an open and willing servant’s heart
-For strength from my LORD to be strong and courageous
-For health and safety!
-For my visa to get into Congo: I will be applying for my visa as soon as I get to Kenya and hopefully it will only take a couple days to receive.