Not worrying

I have had a few people curious about the costs of things for traveling to Africa. Just so you know, (if you're planning on traveling to Africa at some point, or if you simply want to know how $$$$ it can be), here is what I have spent thus far/plan to spend (and I feel good about the deals I've gotten)

2 Plane Tickets from Dulles to Burundi:          $5,000

My Burundian visa fees:             $360

Dad's visa fee:               $90

Passport application fee:             $210

Dad's passport renewal:             $190

My vaccination (typhoid, yellow fever, tetanus, and polio) and malaria meds:             $325
Dad's Vaccinations and meds:             $325
Water filters, travel supplies, miscellaneous expenses, gas for travel to D.C.:             $500

Grand Total so far: $7,000

And that's just hoping that there are no more expenses popping up! It is a pricey venture, but I feel like it's going to be so worth it. With many of the expenses, there isn't really much haggling to be done. When the US government (or the Burundian government) says that ____ is the fee, or else I don't go, then the fee must be paid.

With airlines, I was told a certain one, KLM, was the way to go (and when it comes to international travel, you follow the expert's advice)

I sound like a master-card ad. But getting to travel, serve God, grow, and learn is absolutely priceless. I am hoping that the eternal value of the trip far outweighs any earthly expense. 

I know that Matthew 6 is an oft-quoted chapter, but in it is reflected a truth that I forget so easily.

 When I was writing this post, it came to mind: I don't need to worry about what I'll wear when I get to Africa, what I'll eat, etc. I'll admit that as I've been packing and planning, I've allowed myself to worry. 

Reality check: my worries are trivial details that God will work out for my good. 

It is amazing to rest in the fact that He is in control. He knows what I need.

 Jesus said:

“And why do you worry about clothes? 

See how the flowers of the field grow. 

They do not labor or spin.  

Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.  

If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?  

So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’  For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.   But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. 

Each day has enough trouble of its own." 

I hope you are finding peace and hope in Him. 

Take a deep breath, close your eyes, and remember that if you are His, then the maker of the universe, the almighty God, has got your back. 

Until later,

Makenzie 

PS 9 more days till departure!! SO SOON. I am getting very giddy.