If you ever wonder whether God is into even the smallest details...stay turned, I will testify that He is. Here is His newest proof of His love for even the smallest of creatures.
As most of you know, I live with cats, Murphy (who thinks he's a dog), Corky ( a cat in all the stereotypical ways), and Madeline (still a kitten at heart and a calico who melts your heart when you look at her). Living in Zambia is not an option for these precious companions so I have found homes for each of them.
You may wonder why I found homes so quickly since I am not leaving the states until the spring of 2007 but a wise friend of mine answered that question for me. It will be difficult enough saying goodbye to family and friends in March and to separate myself from my pets would only add to the stress. Finding homes for them now allows me to know that they are cared for and I can gradually begin to wean myself from my loved ones.
So, how do you place three cats? Especially Murphy and Corky who are older and set in their ways. Here is where God worked out the details.
Murphy went to live with my dear friends, the Slaters, who were displaced in Memphis by Katrina and lost two of their cats to the flood. Murphy is happy as long as he has food so this is working out well.
Madeline lived in Hernando, MS one week and returned to me. Her new friend was afraid she would die from depression! I think she would have survived but there was another plan.
I attended a short term missions conference in Atlanta and met Howard, who lives in Oklahoma City. One day at lunch the subject of my cats became the topic of conversation and I expressed how I would like to place Corky and Madeline together. Howard quickly offered to take them. I thought he was kidding and waited for the punch line.... until he gave me his wife's name and phone number to contact. I still waited a few days thinking he would realize what he had committed to and change his mind. The last day of the conference, I contacted his wife, Barbara, and she was so enthusiastic. What a blessing from God!
Now, how do you get two cats from Memphis to Oklahoma city? Traveling by car is 8 hours one way (with crying cats...oh no!). Sending them by air would be over $400. Not the best use of the money God has given me. I contacted a woman who rescues cats and asked if she had any contacts and she put me in touch with Operation Roger.
Operation Roger is a ministry using a network of truck drivers who travel nationwide. You post your need for pet transfer on the web, they view it and if they are traveling to the cities required they volunteer to transport you pets. You can check them out at www.truckers4truckers.com.
On November 16, I loaded Corky, Madeline and all their belongings (you laugh but it filled my trunk!) in my car and headed to the West Memphis Petro fueling station. There I met Lester and Teresa in a green Peterbilt headed to California. Do you know how many green Peterbilts there are? (Thank you Joan for risking your reputation at the truck stop to accompany me!) Lester and Teresa left West Memphis with my precious cargo at 9pm and delivered it to Howard and Barbara Friday at 5:30am. God is so good!
Let me just add that this was an emotional journey for me. As I traveled to Joan's house, both cats were crying a cry that pierced my heart. I cried out to God..."I know you would not allow me to do this if Zambia is not your will!" He didn't stop me....
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever...
to him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever...
and who gives food to every creature. His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.
Psalm 136
