"...No purpose of Yours can be thwarted."

It is now 24 days until I depart for Fiji!
The Lord has already been preparing the way through donations, kind words, confirmations (EVERYWHERE!), and through the fullfillment of His promise that He will always guide me.
In reading through Job this morning, I came across this verse...

“I know that You can do all things,
and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted."
Job 42:2

At times, I get nervous about this next chapter of my life. I cannot, yet, imagine why the Lord opened the door for such a wonderful opportunity to serve in Fiji! In fact, when people ask, "Why Fiji?" I simply have to shrug and be honest with them."I don't know yet." is my usual response. However, this I am sure of... I am supposed to be in Fiji this Summer!
I have never before seen the Lord so clearly open up the path as He has for this adventure.
He has already supplied my airfare, and over $750 out of the $1750 due for my Summer living expenses and food! To a college student (even one graduating very shortly), $1000 in a 24 days may seem impossible, but I am reminded that God's measurement of our physical "necessities" is so far outside of my understanding that He can make anything possible... His purpose is perfect, and can NEVER be thwarted!

I am also blessed to be almost finished with my degree from the College of the Ozarks, and will be graduating in 11 days! It's so very surreal to see my black cap and gown hanging in my closet. My senior art show is hanging up in the Boger Art Gallery on campus, my finals begin on Monday, and I only have 3 days of classes left. God is good!

I thank you for your prayers and support, even yet, as I begin to make this transition, and I ask for your continual prayers as the 24th comes closer and closer! Here are some specific ways you can offer support and prayer:

Physical needs: (I have received special notice requesting various items for donation. If, perhaps, you cannot give financially but would like your family to be involved, I will be taking another suitcase of donations to the people of SI Fiji and Lautoka.)
 They have requested:

• Digital Camera with Video Capability (As part of my time in Fiji as a "Media Intern", I will be teaching one of the volunteers photography, digital editing and video production skills. This is difficult, however, as the base does not yet have a camera. If you or your family has an extra, decent quality, camera or if you would like to donate one, please contact me as this would be a massive blessing to the Students International ministry. Right now, they are unable to even post online what the ministry is doing in Fiji to help raise awareness. The availability of a camera could change this completely.)
• Laptop Computer (Again the SI Fiji would greatly utilize a laptop for the purpose of media, even with basic editing tools already found within Microsoft for the sharing of what the site is doing on the Island. If you have a laptop that is not in use or your family would like to donate, again, please contact me as this would be huge help to those serving in Fiji)
• Bibles One of the greatest needs for SI Fiji right now is Bibles. They are in need of three translations (Hindi, Fijian, and English) but any printed version of the bible is VERY expensive in Fiji. Any Bible is appreciated. (If you would like to donate bibles, www.biblesbythecase.com can be a great resource) http://www.biblesbythecase.com/031043405x.html
• Peanut Butter is very expensive/hard to find on Viti Levu! (the individual packages from Jif are desirable for packing purposes)
• Trail mix (Any kind)
• Coffee (Again, quite expensive and hard to find on the Island)
• Adult Diapers (One of the ministry sites is an elderly home which is in need of these resources)

Prayer requests:

• Continue praying for the preparation of my heart for whatever He has for me in Fiji.
•  Continue to pray for the others who I will be with in Lautoka, and for the Fijian nationals we will be sharing and serving with!
• Continue to pray for the Lord's providence of my living expenses while in Fiji.
• Please pray for Fiji as a whole, the cultures there-within are lost and are in need of our Savior.
• Please pray for the donation of a digital camera with video capabilities and a laptop for use within the ministry after I leave Fiji. 

P.S. Please enjoy this traditional Fijian music produced by a village on the Eastern Island of Taveuni, Fiji. I found this video on the first day I began praying about Fiji and haven't stopped listening to it since! I hope, by the end of the Summer, to understand enough Fijian to know what the words mean through the help of my regional (and Fijian speaking) directors Oska and Aralai Vuki. :)
Blessings,
    - Austin