Note: as summer begins to approach each year, my thoughts turn to Guatemala where I have been over two dozen times the past 18 years. Writing a support letter is a very daunting task. I don't like asking for money but I cannot serve without financial support. This year, my letter is different. You can read some of my past "standard" letters in my blog at AngelasLines.blogspot.com. This year I feel led to share some of what has happened to me since last summer. Please bear with me. I hope you see God's good hand in my life and testimony.
Every year, I find myself wondering what I am supposed to do about Guatemala, teaching, everything in life. This past year has been full of more questions than others. From time to time someone will remark about an event being "life defining." That's what the past year has been for me -- a series of life defining events. It started when I lost my job of 20 years. I had already been struggling with extreme fatigue and this brought depression that did not help. God guided me to a small school in Pittsboro, NC, which actually wanted me. I started with two classes for middle school students who were new to the school and thus not ready for Latin -- our students start Latin in third grade. By January, I had four classes. I worked hard to master the material I was teaching and I slept -- that's about all I had the strength to do. Along the way, I found this life defining change to be a true blessing and privilege. My new school family became my great joy as I felt God telling me that there was more for me yet to do. So grateful to be joining the staff of Haw River Christian Academy full time this fall!
Looking for the cause of the fatigue was another life defining event. After repeated complaints to my medical care providers, one of them really listened and tested me for iron saturation. It isn't a common test to run, but as I am learning, it is very important. I was diagnosed with hereditary hemochromatosis, iron saturation disorder. It means my blood stores too much iron and then it goes into the liver, brain, pancreas, etc. Some of the symptoms are extreme fatigue and brain fog. The treatment has brought some good-natured teasing to me: phlebotomy -- taking a pint of blood out from time to time, depending on the results of blood work. Bring on the leaches! For the rest of my life, I will be monitored for iron buildup. I have to limit my intake of beef and other high iron foods but all of this is just inconvenient.
The life defining moment came when my doctor gave me the results of scans to check for iron deposits in my vital organs. I have no significant deposits of iron in my body. The moment that gave me pause was when he told me that he expected the opposite. At my age, with hereditary hemochromatosis, at least my liver should have been compromised. When he said, "there's something in your body protecting you," I immediately knew it was Someone. God still has work for me to do. For me, this disorder that is life threatening, was a reminder of God's plan and orchestration of my life. My energy is returning and I am looking forward to seeing how God will use this in my ministry in Guatemala -- and beyond.
I am returning to Guatemala for the 18th consecutive summer. I have been blessed to serve between summer trips as well. This year I will be with a team from North Lake Church in Bellingham, Washington. I served with them last summer and was asked to join the team again and assist with women's ministries. The team dates are July 10th to 20th. I am pleased that I was able to obtain a "missionary" ticket which allows me to take three checked bags at no extra cost. In addition to the supplies we will need for the women's ministries, I will be able to take supplies for aid to victims of the volcanic eruption.
Please pray for me as I prepare to travel in just over two weeks. Please pray for God's provision of the funds I need to travel. I do not have a specific sending agency so I cannot offer tax deductions for donations but, if you feel led to support me, I promise that all funds will go to the ministry. Gifts can be made through my Paypal pool at https://paypal.me/pools/campai
En manos de la gracia!
In the hands of grace!
Angela Kennedy
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