Here's to being out of your element & comfort zone!

You should try it once in a while...it's good for the soul!

Has 7 months really passed by already? My calendar says so, my mind says other wise. On one had I feel as though I have accumulated a lifetime of experiences, lessons, and growth in these short months and on the other hand I feel like no time has passed at all.

My thoughts when I first settled into my plane seat headed for the U.A.E was, I know that in no time I will be sitting on a plane taking me back to the States. Just like that, this adventure will be over and a new season will begin. I advised myself to make the most of every event, challenge, and life here. There were moment in the first three months when I would cry before calling a taxi to pick me up to go to yet another place...alone.

If you know me at all you know I like to be around people I don't enjoy doing things solo. I need a Tom (Reference from "Tom & Jerry"), A Clyde, someone to help me hold the net when I reel in the big one (in my case I'd be the one holding the net), you know; someone to have an adventure with, get into trouble with, and sometime...cry with! I am sure Clyde cried on Bonnie's shoulder countless times.( ; I have been given the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and element more times than I would like, to be honest. However, 7 months later I can say I am better for it. I have learned from and grown. This has been amazing! I have learned that my Father is truly THE Constant Companion. He is...I know it to be fact because I have experienced it!

Now, I still very much prefer to enjoy things with others but I have learned that I "have it in me" to be alone and feel secure about it. I am still not 100% over this hurdle, but I can see a difference and am grateful for this refinement. I feel like I am moving on to the next season of life better prepared and ready for the independence it will require.

I have learned a whole new heart for ministry and will never be the same because of it. I have received the best mentoring being here and am working along side of dedicated Workers. Yet another blessing I am exceedingly grateful for!

The above is not even the tip of the iceberg, living in the desert it seems silly to use that analogy doesn't it? haha Well, you get the picture. This may be a bucket of sand in the entire seven Emirates of the things that I have learned and will challenge me for a life time.

To my friends and family thank you for your consistent prayers and support. Because of your love and faithfulness to our Father I will never be the same.

Love,

Jerri K.