Determination to press on

My last week has been filled with ups and downs. We were able to ship the art supplies along with essential oils last monday through Fed Ex, which felt like a huge relief. Just knowing that the supplies would be on their way and that I would open that box once I arrive in Mumias felt like a step toward the reality of this project coming to life! Then, today we get the news. The package made it safely, and customs has it. They are charging us for an additional $200 shipping and for a portion of the value. Unfortunately, our package was quite expensive due to $500 in art supplies and a wonderful huge donation of essential oil kits...so this portion of the value is sizeable. We would have to come up with about $1000 to retrieve our package.

So, today as I received the news, sadness overwhelmed me for a moment. I nearly cried, but instead got angry. I felt like I was going to fail the people of Mumias, by coming without the Art for Africa supplies. Then I remembered the story of the loaves and fishes and how God multiplied the supplies to feed all of those people. If God can do that, surely he can multiply the supplies I am able to bring with in my suitcase to meet the needs of the start up of the project!

What I end up doing in Kenya may be very different from what I imagined. I can accept that. God's plan is bigger and better than my plan. I am so grateful that I am not alone and that He is the author of Art for Africa, not me.

So, I go on with even more determination to make this project a success. I refuse to be discouraged. I refuse to let anything get in the way of Art for Africa. Kenya, here we come!

Jenn