6 years 11 months 15 days

Day 2540. I went to bed late, and then there were some disruptions during the night. The kids were up way too early. At 7:40 am my alarm went off. It was hard getting up, getting ready to leave and have breakfast.

Just after 8:30 am we started our 2 hour and 10 minute drive to Jackson, Mississippi. It seemed quite crazy to drive that far without knowing whether there was any point in doing so; at least a week ago it was only a 25-minute drive that turned out to be an amazing, divine connection.

Well, today it turned out the same way. I'm just amazed at what God is doing right now! Like last week, I had looked on our network's directory site whether there was a church in the area. This one in Jackson was the only one. I wrote the pastor a few days ago but never got an answer. Randy suggested we'd go there anyway, taking our chances.

We got there at 10:50 am; the service was to start at 11 am. We walked in like we've been there before, got two seats, then we went in the only direction kids' church could be. We registered the kids and followed them to the room where a whole bunch of kids was already gathered, ready to get started. We left the kids there and went to the sanctuary where worship had already started.

We enjoyed the worship time, and I was wondering whether they would greet first-time visitors and have them introduce themselves. Like last week, that was not the case. After worship, there was an offering, then the pastor came up to preach. After he was done preaching, there was an altar call, and the service was over. Randy left to get the kids while I went to the front to wait for the pastor to be available so I could talk to him. I didn't have to wait too long. After only a few words he realized who I was from my email and apologized for not having answered. I only said a few sentences before he said he'd like to invite us to lunch. I was blown away and said yes, of course. He told me to wait in the lobby so I left to go to the kids' room. 

There I found Randy talking with the lady in charge of kids' ministry, and we took a picture of her and the kids. She bragged on Emmy, how much knowledge he'd had of the Bible. We then said good-bye and went to the lobby to wait for the pastor. People would walk by to leave the building, and Sammy would reach out to them, often stretching out his arms for a hug, and most people gave him one. He also asked their names. That way we got to talk to a few people as we waited for quite some time. Then the pastor came and gave us the address of a restaurant where to meet. He then drove there with his son, his wife having gone home, and we got all the kids buckled into our car and drove there as well. It was only an 11-minute ride. 

They got there before us. I had looked at their menu on the way there and gave them my order right after we walked in, the pastor waiting there for us. Then we sat down at a table and started talking. We had talked for a while, when another couple from church walked by. We had actually talked to the lady at the church. The couple then joined us at the table, and we continued talking. I was telling stories of what God was doing in Mali, as well as my own, while the pastor also had great stories to tell. The kids had their tablets with them to keep them busy so Randy also got to share some stories. We had a great time together and really connected. The husband of the couple who had joined us hardly talked but when he did, he gave me a few words he had received from the Lord for me, and they all were confirmations and made an impact. I wrote them down. He said, "(new) season, open doors, teach others what you do. What you have wanted to flow in, God is going to bring it to pass with laughter." Wow!

After two hours of talking at the restaurant, from 1 to 3 pm, it was time to say good-bye. First we took a picture together. What an amazing connection that will bring fruit in the future!

We got back into the car to drive the 2+ hours back to central Mississippi. I was still overwhelmed by the favor and goodness of God. It was 5:30 pm when we arrived at Randy's mother's house. We stayed there for 20 minutes to see her and spend time with her, even though the children were very upset as they were eager to go play with their nieces. By 6 pm we were back at Randy's daugther's house, and the kids immediately started playing with them and having the greatest time.

Randy and I were both very tired from the long day, and we were all hungry. Thankfully the food that people had brought over for us was nearly ready, having been warmed up. We all sat down to eat but Tammy didn't like it and didn't eat anything. The rest of us did. I then went upstairs and got on my computer to relax a little. Work could wait. At 8 pm we called the kids to come and get ready for bed; it took another 45 minutes before they finally got quiet and fell asleep. Randy soon fell asleep himself. Now it's midnight, and I'm planning on going to bed soon as well, especially as I have to get up early again tomorrow.