October 1st

Who has a plan and a schedule? I am one who loves to have a plan and a schedule however often over the past two years I have had to function either without or one that is put together at the last minutes.

My coming home has fallen into this category. There was never a set date for me to leave JCCM and head back to the states though there seemed to be a lose plan set for sometime the end of July. As ALL of you know July has come and gone and August is soon to follow. I am not home. Though I now have a schedule- the plan I am still working on. October 1st I will leave Sierra Leone and start my journey home. I say journey because even though it is only really a couple days of travel it feels like a whole lot more- especially with all the emotions on both sides. Sometime October 2nd I will be home. Plan and schedule after that- once again up in the air. However I always have a job at Mark's Country Market :). I cannot tell you the number of times I tried to get fired from this job, but I am really grateful for it now. Thanks Dad.

We have gone through a lot of changes here at JCCM the main one being the hiring of a new Program Coordinator. This has been a long time coming as we have been functioning without a head person for 2 years now. A team of us have filled this position but it is a much better fit to have one person in this role. Mr. Muana was hired the 1st of July and I was asked to stay to work with him his first few months. I have been asked to stay longer many times but didn't give it a lot of thought until this came about. I was actually told by a few board members that I simply could not go- whatever they needed to do to help me to stay they would do. After praying about it I do feel this is where I am to be at this time and my family was kind enough to let me stay (not without a few comments and threats though huh Amers?!?!) It is not easy to step into a new position- nor is it always easy to help someone do this, but we are working together and I pray to leave with JCCM in a better place.

I do not know what the future holds and this is often a difficult thing for many of us. This time it feels a bit heavier as I have no clue what comes next or what to do next. These are my children. I have another family and group of friends here and yet I have the same at home. I have no doubt that God placed me at JCCM during a difficult time for the organization in order to help them through. He allowed me to be an integral part in not only keeping JCCM going but in making some positive changes for the kids and the future of JCCM. I have absolutely cherished being a part of these children and staff members lives and I know it will continue- only in what manner I am not certain.

If I am to walk away now, I will know that I was able to be HIS hands and feet at a time and in a place I never expected, but was also blessed in ways I couldn't have imagine. I will also walk away knowing JCCM will continue to move forward, these children will continue to be loved and nurtured, and an impact for Christ will be made for ever.

If I am to go home and come back- I will be grateful to be with my kids and family here again. I would love to see my friends and the community that has welcomed me in as one of their own. Finding out what my position would be, my purpose here... that is what needs to happen in order for me to come back.

Where does he want me? At this point I am really not sure- which makes leaving all that more difficult. Is this a HUGE goodbye- or just a short goodbye? What happens to me in the next 6 months- 1 year... Please pray with me. Pray that not only will I see where he is leading me, but also that I will have his peace and patience as I wait.

Thank you more than I can say for you love, prayers, and support through my time here. I have not left yet- I still have 5 weeks I am going to make the best of. It seems crazy even as I type that. I am fighting between wanting to see everyone at home and not wanting to even think about leaving so soon. I would like to say I will try to update more- I want to- but it is just not easy and I am usually exhausted when there is a chance. Maybe that will be something to fill my time when I first come home as there is so much more I have wanted to share with you all.

Pray for my kids- this is not easy for them and we talk about it EVERYDAY as it is often on their mind. Pray for my friends and "family" here as well. Pray for my heart.