Catastrophe around every corner...

My time back in the States has been interesting to say the least...As I have retold various experiences to people while I've been on the road...it seems as if there is catastrophe around every corner!
Visit #1: Nebraska- The day I landed in the States, my stepmom's Dad had a stroke.
Visit #2: Colorado- I drove into the mountains and the car would not shift from 1st to 2nd gear.
Visit #3: Indiana- As I visited my brother and his family, they all enjoyed the latest round of stomach flu going around.
Visit #4: Chicago- After getting caught up with a friend, I fell down marble stairs and severely twisted my ankle and jacked up my shoulder.
Visit #5: Kansas- nothing traumatic here- whew!
Visit #6: Virginia- Canoeing in February was not my brightest decision ever, but of course we did not come to this conclusion until after we almost drowned in the icy waters.
Visit #7: West Virginia- My host develops severe mouth pain where it is painful to talk.

So, as you can see...things have been quite interesting here.

Truthfully, I have had some wonderful, obviously God-ordained meetings!

In Omaha, I met some incredible people- here's a little shout-out to the Bobbleheads! They are a small group from my sending church that were so loving and hilarious. :) AND I also met a man who was deployed with one of the gals from Germany. He just "happened" to be in a protestant church (he is catholic) on THE only Sunday that I "happened" to be available to share at this church. Pretty cool!
In Indiana, I had the opportunity to connect with a small group that has been supporting me for the past few months. It was an emotional time as I shared about my love for the people in Germany and how they have impacted my life- as well as what God is doing there.
In Chicago, I enjoyed listening to the life of my friend there, who has been in a relationship with an Army guy. It was amazing how much I could understand about her life because of my experience with the military these last two years.
In West Virgina, we watched a movie called "The Secret Life of Bees". I won't go into a lot of details, but it ministered to a deep part of my soul.
After a quick lunch in Harrisburg with a friend, I decided to make a quick stop in Hershey, PA. I had always wanted to visit the Hershey factory, and it was only 7 miles off of my route. I meandered around the museum, and decided to pick up a treat at the cafe, a treat for my next hosts. As I was scouring the menu, I started up a conversation with the cashier. Come to find out, she had been living in Germany for the last few months and was hoping to return soon. She lived in Trier, only about an hour from where I lived. So, we exchanged emails. Who knows what God will do with that, but it was too "random" to ignore.
In Pennsylvania, I shared with a church who has been supporting me with prayer for about two years now. They are a small, rural church who spend a lot of time praying their daily and weekly needs. It was humbling to be there to share my needs. Yet, this was the place where I had received the most financial help yet on my trip! I had a lady who has nothing (literally living with friends) hand me a check for $100. I also had coffee with the Secretary of the Missions Committee. We both cried as we shared about our past experiences on the mission field, and talked about what an AMAZING God we serve. This God is after our hearts and our faith- NOT our resources. It's never really about the money.

Although this trip has had challenges, I do not doubt that God has fore-ordained meetings with people. He has "prepared in advance" the way before me. Step by step, I'm learning to trust Him in deeper and more relevant ways.