Updates & Decisions

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It’s been a long few days in the states, and the time has come to make some tough decisions. In January of 2006, while working at Best Buy, I began to consider serving overseas. It had been a while since I’d been involved in third-world missions first hand. At the request of friends in a remote jungle location, I started planning a technology based missions trip. My goal was to bring technological support and training to locations around the world.

On September 5, after eight months of planning and emailing; with five thousand dollars worth of plane tickets, and carrying thirty-two pounds of tech supplies, I boarded a plane from Los Angeles to Sydney, Australia. It was after a few days of acclimation in Sydney and during the overnight bus ride to Brisbane that I noticed something wasn’t right. Days later, I arrived back in the states; confused, frustrated, and hurting.

All personal humiliation aside, I’d like to be able to tell you what exactly went wrong, and what’s going on now, and when I’ll “get better” – but I don’t know. I have a mess of tests in at the labs right now, and I’m due back at the doctors late this week. Although some of my original symptoms have faded (including spitting up blood and a swollen chest), I am still very weak and often dizzy. I have a considerable amount of chest and abdominal pain which seems to come and go without reason.

It has been strongly suggested that I not return to the trip for my October and November stops in Indonesia and India, both locations being very remote and with no provision for health care in the case of any emergency. The best place for me to jump back into the trip would be with Africa in December. At this point I am not ready to return to the field, and I do not know what the next few months will bring. However, if I did return to Africa, I would need to purchase tickets and apply for visas now.

It is not for me to question the working of the Lord, and yet, He has appointed me this life, and with it, responsibility. I have decided not to return to the trip this year, but to use the time I have in recovery, along with the financial support that has been dedicated to this trip, for continued third-world ministry and technological support. Over the next few weeks and months, I will be writing an intensive curriculum and guide for computer repair and support designed especially for third world and ministry situations. With the financial support I have been given, I will prepare packages with the printed books as well as programs and tutorials on disc. As appropriate, I will include tools and software with each kit.

I don’t know why I spent eight months planning for an eight day adventure that ended in one anxious phone call and much fear and pain. I don’t understand why I’m sitting at a computer back in Washington State, but I know one thing: God has given me everything I need. I trust that He will continue to reveal his will to me and to you, as you are a part of this journey as well. Thank you for your prayers and support. In the good days and the tough days, it means the world to me. May my desires and my pain not detract from His purpose in these days.

I am thankful to be back in the states, where I can rest and receive proper care. My boyfriend, Eric, is currently at school in western Pennsylvania and it is a blessing to have his constant support as well. I’d appreciate your prayers for both of us as we face the days ahead.

Serving Christ with you,

Jessica

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