The Final Push 4

I will need to confirm, but I'm pretty sure with two new financial partners, my remaining need decreased by $60 to only $132/month! Happy Dance!

The Final Push 3

My remaining need is  $192/month. Click the link to partner with me and my Wycliffe ministry as we prepare families to thrive in cross-cultural ministries!

The Final Push 2

Are you on-board? Don't miss out. The Final Push is ending August 31st. 

Pray about partnering with my Wycliffe ministry: preparing families for cross-cultural ministry through the Intercultural Communications Course. 

How to Partner financially

The Final Push

Would you partner with my Wycliffe Ministry by August 31st?

https://www.wycliffe.org/partner/emilysimon

Easter is the Best

I Doubt

I've been putting off this blog post for 2 months now, it's time to click publish:

2 years ago I "crash landed" in Waxhaw, NC. I've been here in the South for just as long as I've been in Ukarumpa, Papua New Guinea?

Too often I think, if I've been here that long, why do I still question and doubt?

I doubt:

-God, is this what you've called me to?

-Am I supposed to use medication;* do I have to?

-Is God worth the fight, is Christianity what I want to be a part of?

-Do you love me?
--Does anyone love me?
---Really?
---Why?
---How could they?

-Can I love other people with your love?
-Have I made any progress?

-Will I be in this fight for right thinking forever?
-When will my energy return?
--What if it never does?

-What if I'm never capable of full-time work ever again?

Spiraling, spiraling.

STOP!

The ultimate truth that dissolves each and every doubt is this: yes, I am loved. God loves me. I mean, He actively loves me and delights in me. Can you believe that?

Sometimes I doubt, but always God has the victory! and because no matter what I think or believe the truth is that I am His, I walk in victory too! When I recall that truth, then I have no doubt.

Yes, today, this is what I've called you to, God says. Walk with me- Abide; Be present. FIve years ago, this was the first word, my first step out of anxiety: Abide! One translation of the Hebrew for abide means to journey with. 

One day at a time, one step at a time, one breath at a time, exist with God. Matthew six tells us to leave worry to God and trust Him

God is so worthy of the fight for personal health. And yes, He's worthy of the fight for the freedom of everyone everywhere spiritually, mentally, and physically.

Christianity isn't perfect because it is made up of humans. Still, yes, I want to be a "little Christ" and pursue Him with my brothers and sisters.


I am beyond thankful for the ultimate coping tool: Alignment. Letting God bring me into alignment under Himself

This side of heaven there will be suffering, sadness, and fear, but there is also hope, joy, and grace in Christ's love. And the more I take hold of that the happier I am. 



*The Medication Question is worthy of a whole other blog post. I want to de-stigmatize the use of psychiatric medication in the Christian culture. That being said, I strongly believe medication needs to be paired with mental/emotional therapy and lifestyle choices that work toward the goal of health. Health-care is not a simple issue, but the analogy of physical health helps me cope with the fact that I use medication to help mellow my anxiety. If my leg was broken, I would do something to help it repair. My thinking and reactions are broken. Lifestyle changes, therapy and meds. offer a some repair while I look forward to ultimate healing in eternity.*

To Colorado, California, Wisconsin

On the way to California, I took advantage of a 9 hour layover and stopped off at my friend's school in Loveland Colorado. What incredible fun! Thank you friend for letting me share my heart with your and your co-workers' students! 

How are we going to reach Bible-less people?

In California I protected the first week, spending time with only my family. How sweet it was to connect with them in the flesh.

Cousin!

Niece and Brother-in-law keeping their bees

Me and my parents

The next two weeks were filled with: church missions' board meetings; dinner, lunch, coffee, walks, and hangouts with numerous friends and partners; sharing with a Sunday School class; and  a weekend away in my friends' home. 

Fun Visit!

Amazing Prayer Warrior and Friend

Thank you for your prayers! God gave me immense peace, joy, and enthusiasm for each conversation. He built my passion for our work and for my partners.  

I returned to the Carolinas* for one week and took off again for a last-minute trip to Chicago.

From there, I headed up to Watertown, Wisconsin to celebrate my friends' 30 years of marriage. 

My friends taking pics before they renew their vows

I enjoyed a week with them and their kids, including my friend and her family. God was so good giving me meaningful time to catch up with her and another close friend! Plus I was able to briefly connect with 2 churches.

Rediscovering 'The Creek' from my childhood with my friend and her son

To top off the last-minute trip, God set a divine appointment. I went to photograph a gorgeous sunset and bumped into a woman from my Wisconsin church.

Breathtaking

Bless my Aunt who picked up and hosted me for my first and final nights and her friend who took me back to the airport.
 

Yes, we are related

While both trips were full of visits, I did not get to see everyone that I wanted to. To you I say, I'm sorry. Let's talk, text, email, skype, Instagram, or Facebook.   

What's Next?
From the Carolinas:

1. Inviting individuals and churches to financial partnership.
2. Attending Intercultural Communication Course (ICC) in July/August
3. Lord-willing, working with the ICC team in August (when 100% of my budget is met- I can't wait!)

Want to know more? Email me! Want to partner with me? Follow link
*I live in South Carolina and work in North Carolina