Breathing to Stretch

"Your breathing can have a profound effect on the efficacy of your stretching routine. Breathe improperly, and you'll see little improvement in flexibility, but breathe properly, and you'll grow more flexible much more quickly."

http://www.3fatchicks.com/how-important-is-breathing-during-stretching/

I am guessing that the author of fat chicks knows what she is talking about. God knows that lately He has had me doing some faith breathing exercises. People will ask how are you? How is the trip coming? And I have to explain to them that what I have been feeling is faith breathing. Much like when expectant moms go to Lamaze classes to practice breathing- it seems only like an exercise. When the baby is coming, the breathing becomes more than an exercise, it becomes key to the delivery. 

Now with departure less than a week away, the breathing is becoming key. Uganda is unique in that this is the first time I have traveled internationally without a team in 5 years. The first 2 times I learned a lot - experienced God's faithfulness and protection for sure. But I also made a lot of rookie mistakes. This time I have the  covering of my spiritual parents, people praying for me that I don't even know, and a ministry to join with in the work that is already ongoing.  So different. 

However, something that is beginning to look the same is my purchase of plane tickets. On trip #1, I bought the ticket, got the visa and flew out in less than 4 days. On trip #2 I guess my visa was still valid, so I bought the ticket the night before I was leaving. That was the time I flew to India round trip for $800 bucks. 

So when people have inquired about my plane ticket- I've just been breathing. Been there. Done that. Didn't want to do it again but... it's possible for man and nothing is impossible with God. So breathe is what I do. Inhale hope. Exhale Trust. Breathe faith. 

Now here is the stretch. There is the remaining money needed for UG true, but that just causes me to monitor the faith breathing. What about Burundi? Deadline for registration is less than a month away and registration = 10% of the trip cost. Alright, alright we can feel that a little. Registration also means the roller coaster of prayer and answers as payment deadlines approach. But remember God took care of Burundi in the most phenomenal way last year! So here is the splits. Sierra Leone. When am I suppose to go? If it's June that's a whole different plane ticket needed- one that is almost 2x the cost of the one I need for UG. Now that's a stretch. So this is why I remember my breathing. Breathe and watch.

What I see as I look to watch? 

I see people asking me where I was traveling to this year and offering their help at the beginning of the year. 

I see all the things I've been asked to bring and even the materials for the activities I'm planning provided.

I see strangers copying me on emails to their prayer team. The subject? My prayer requests. 

I see God using my new church family to bless me with prayers and provision.  

I see walking in Georgetown, and meeting a stranger who is now giving me a whole humanitarian bag for the UJV kids. And is on standby for Sierra Leone and Burundi. 

I see the personal items I need being bought by my sisters.

I see me calling to cancel my Zip Car annual membership so that my account isn't debited while I'm in UG- and the customer service agent giving me my money from last year back! Anytime God has Zip Car putting money INTO my account, I see JIREH at work!

So I breathe and watch with expectancy.