Yes, it is official. I have been accepted into Wycliffe. Praise God! I have communicated to all of my employers, fellow coworkers and my family of God's leading to me Mali, West Africa. It has been exciting to have the opportunity to share the good news with others in my life. It has been amazing to see how the topic has opened doors to conversations with friends and family that I would not have had the opportunity to talk of God so openly with if it wasn't for this life changing experience. Many people have come to me with questions and curiousity and it has been a great opportunity for me to talk about how God is leading me to Mali. It has been a great opportunity for me to talk openly about God and His role in my life. I never realized the impact it would have on people in my everyday life (my co-workers, friends and family). Praise God that I have these opportunities to share God's love and awesome plan with others! I was nervous about talking with my parents about Mali; However, actually ever since I spoke to my mom about it, my mom and I have had the most heart felt conversations on the phone than I have had in a really long time with her. It has been special to see our relationship as mother/daughter grow! As for my dad, he didn't take it too well, but I figured he wouldn't do well with the news (he isn't a believer so he doesn't quite understand it all) ..... I will continue to pray for God to open his eyes so he can see Him.
I have been extremely busy ever since I received my acceptance letter. Even though I am accepted into Wycliffe, I had to apply to Bamako Christian Academy seperately as well. So, this past week I have completed my application process to teach at Bamako Christian Academy. I have already started my first on line class which is "Child Safety" and I have started my orientation course on line as well. It sure has kept me busy! I have been trying to figure out how to balance everything.... teaching full time Kindergarten, teaching dance, teaching Sunday School, and taking all of my courses on line (which totals over 50 hours) for Wycliffe. It has been tough! I don't have internet access at my house so I have spent many hours and days at coffee shops trying to get it all done. I have been praying for God to help me figure out how to manage my time the best I can.
Iknow I have had some people ask how they can help... At this point there is soooo much for me to plan and think about. I have started looking ahead as well and I am trying to figure out how to handle some things here in Colorado when I am in Mali. Some things that I have started thinking about are:
1.) I have a 2009 Subaru Forester that I am still making payments on ($360 approx per month). I am not quite sure what to do...if I should sell it or find someone to take over the payments and use it like a lease??? I need the car now to use for work and I am not sure how I am going to find someone to buy it off me in June/July time frame. It leaves a very small window for me to find someone to buy it before I leave.
2.) I have a condo that I plan on renting out but the carpet is horrible.... I would need to replace the carpet with carpet or flooring of some kind. I looked into different companies but it is very pricey. I am looking into buying wholesale for the product and then maybe finding a few people who would want to help me install it so I won't have to pay for installation/labor costs. The amount of space needed to replace carpet is about 760 square feet. I am looking at spending no more than $700 total for everything. Yet, this has been a struggle to find.
3.) I am looking for someone who would want to "watch over my place" (like a handyman) while I am gone in Mali. Someone who can take care of odds and ends if something needs fixed or worked on.
4.) The person who originally volunteered to watch my dog while I am in Mali is now not quite sure if they can watch her. So, I am looking for a back up plan just in case this person falls through and can't watch her.
5.) I have been hitting up clearance racks at stores and buying short sleeve shirts, flip flops, skirts for super cheap. Since it is warm all year round in Mali I will need more summer like clothes.
Well, those are the main concerns at this point. I am sure I will think of a zillion more things as I get closer and closer to departure time. Yet, I am trying my best to take it step by step and not get overwhelmed with all that I have to do before I leave. I know July seems far away now but I know it will be here so quickly and there is a lot to do from now till then!
Thank you for your prayers and support! Words can not express my gratitude for all of the prayers and support! It is comforting to know that I am not doing this alone! I have wonderful friends and partners by myside as I follow God's leading!
Rebecca Oryniak
