Four years ago today...

Four years ago today...
I stepped off a plane and landed in Mali for the first time

And now...
I'm starting to pack my bags in order to leave next month... but I hope to be back again someday.

Four years ago today...
I barely knew what my job entailed

And now...
I've helped with training other colleagues, and other Maninka believers in using stories to evangelize.

Four years ago today...
I could hardly say hello to anyone

And now...
I'm able to share, in Maninka, stories from God's word

Four years ago today...
I was praying for more faith and patience

And now...
Well that's why we stayed four years instead of the originally planned two years. Though I know God is not through teaching me about faith and patience, I also know I have learned a lot these past years.

These are just some of the changes that occurred in the last four years. I share these to say that whatever accomplishments it seems I may have... It was all done by the awesome power of God. NONE of it would've been possible if He had not stood by me all these years.

I think one of the most significant changes for me is that
four years ago today...
I thought I had a good, close, solid relationship with God

And now...
That relationship has been tried and tested, and I'm happy to say I've come out of it clinging more to Him than ever before. I know there's still room to grow, and I look forward to it, and the next four years and more I'll get to experience walking along side God.