I couldn’t have done this 20 years ago. I couldn’t have stepped on a small plane in the middle of Africa to fly to a place where I would have to land on a dirt runway. The reason why I couldn’t have done this 20 years ago was due to fear. I use to have an overwhelming, paralyzing fear of flying. But no more, thank God.

So yesterday, I got on that small plane and landed on a dirt runway in the middle of nowhere, with no airport in site, and I had fun doing it. As we landed, the children from a nearby school ran across a field toward the plane with curiosity in their eyes to see what guests would be arriving. All their smiles greeted us.

This morning, (it is Saturday here) I woke up to the sounds of the roosters crowing. It’s about 5:30am. As I laid in bed thinking (because I couldn’t sleep anymore), I started thinking of the many ways God has worked in my life to overcome obstacles and roadblocks; one of those being fear.

Life is full of challenges, and roadblocks. In my life, there have been times the mountains in front of me looked too big to climb, and the monsters seemed too scary to conquer.

I am so thankful today to be waking up to the sound of roosters in Africa. I can’t believe I am here and I feel so happy and at peace. I feel immensely blessed by my friendship with Ann (who I am with). She is such a gem and I love watching her create her stories, and I love that I get to be here to see her and her daughter meet their sponsored child today. I can’t wait to see what stories she writes from this journey, because truly she has a gift with words. Had I let the obstacle of fear conquer me years ago, I wouldn’t be here today to experience this blessing. This is God’s grace poured out on my life.

Friends, what roadblocks keep you from saying, “yes” to God?

Possibly the obstacles won’t automatically go away, but step out in faith and trust that God will help move those obstacles. It will be worth it, I promise.

From Africa,

Patricia