Portland, Powell's and People.

Dear Friends,
Today has been a complete God story in itself. Our rental cars were upgraded and our housing situation exceeded our expectation! We took the MAX (light rail transit) from Beaverton into downtown Portland to get our bearings of the city before we met our contact at Habibis for supper. In this time of transit we were challenged to step out of our comfort zone and start up conversations. I have to say I found this difficult,but I could be a prayer partner for those engaging. We made our way to Powell's books since we had time to kill and I was just as fascinated by the store the second time I went into it as the first. Among the rows,rooms and levels of books my partner Michelle and I had a brief conversation with a guy looking through C.S. Lewis books for his girlfriends Christmas present. Overall the conversation established that he was a believer and is plugged into a church.
We met our contact Matt and his girlfriend at a Lebanese restaurant Habibi. Through the course of dinner and a trip to a local chocolate shop we began to hear their heart for Portland and the ministry we would be working with.
It is great to be back in Oregon again and I can not wait for tomorrow! Please be praying for us as we start to help Flavel Street Baptist reach the people around their community!

Twas the night before Portland

Dear Friends,
We are finally here to the night before my departure for Portland, Oregon. I have to say the journey up to now has been bumpy,but a huge blessing.
Earlier this week I was talking to a good friend of mine at a local coffee shop (Beans and Franks) about our upcoming trips ;she is preparing to go to London.As we talked through how God provided money for our trips, I made the assessment that God had been so good about providing just what I needed. With less than $50 exceeding the total $800 for my trip I was impressed. Not only financially, but He is allowing me to be apart of the trip. However, the next morning after our talk He blew my mind. Not only did He provide,but He abundantly provided by another donation! I no doubt do not credit God enough for His abundant blessings and fully expect Him to continue through the trip.
I can not thank you ,my friends and family, enough for being apart of the journey thus far through prayer and financial support!
The hours are closing in on my 4:45am alarm to head to the airport so I should sleep at some point tonight! Next time I post, it will be from Portland,Oregon!