Hello Friends! It was a beautiful day here in Chicago- about 80 degrees, sunny. I love it! This will probably be my last week in Chicago. I am awaiting word from the Nigerian government as to whether or not they are going to issue me a visa. SIM hopes that we will hear by the end of next week. It is out of our hands. Please pray that the Nigerian official(s) will see the need for a nurse to work with the street children, lepers, and others in Jos. Perhaps my papers have been set aside and not looked at yet, or maybe a decision has been made and they have not notified SIM Nigeria. Whatever the case, pray that God will move the official(s) according to His plan and His timetable. If I do receive the visa this week, the plan is for me to leave Chicago on the 8th for Texas, where I will be until the end of Sept/early Oct to pack and say good-bye to family and friends.
I am excited to tell you that my car was sold yesterday! Thanks to all who prayed. I received the $4,000 I was aiming for. However, I owe my parents $4,200, so I just expected to have to pay the $200 out of my pocket. Well, after selling the car I opened my mail and there was a check for $200 from a Sunday school class at Moody! How fun to see God burden the class to give me the exact amount I need and to have the check arrive the day that I sold my car!
In my last letter I shared that I would be attending the tropical medicine course in Vancouver Island. It was intense, but I really enjoyed it. I learned a ton and feel more competent to serve the Nigerians in a safer and more effective way. I highly recommend this course to any missionary- medical or not who knows they will provide health care in some capacity. There was even a mom there who wanted to learn in order to care for her 3 children as they live in Malawi. Go to http://equipministries.org (click on Missionary Medical Intensive) for more information.
On my last day of work, my co-workers surprised me with a box full of things I will need in Nigeria: towels, chapstick, soap, etc. I also received almost $500 as gifts from various co-workers! I was extremely humbled that they would do that, and blessed by their interest in Nigeria, what I will be doing, and why on earth I want to go! I praise God for all of them, who have been such a source of encouragement. My roommates and another good friend hosted a going-away party for me on Monday 25th. It was such a blessing to see so many friends that I have made over the past 3 years in Chicago. Each one of them is so special to me in very unique ways.
