I'm not really a writer. It's become so bad that I even hate replying to emails. But today, I want to take the time to thank God for the year 2007. I can honestly say it was my worst year ever. I struggled from the first day, and things got so bad I was prepared to leave the U.S and go back to Zambia for good. Everything that could've ever gone wrong did, and I didn't even know where my life was headed.

I can also say that it was one year in which I really became close to God. All I wanted was to be closest to Him, but the more I got closer, the harder I was tested. My faith in Him was on the line. Every time something happened, I imagined God asking me, "You say you trust me. Prove it. How much do you trust me?" Now I bet you're probably wondering "what exactly did she go through?" All I can say is, it's a LONG story, but I'll give you some of it.

I recently graduated from college. I had decided to take some time off school and work full time. Well, during that time I wasn't able to get an entry-level job in my field, so instead, I worked in a different field. Then, I discovered that I didn't even know why I went to school for business. It certainly wasn't because I loved it. I started asking myself what I really loved, thinking of my sister who followed her dreams despite what my parents wanted.

I decided I didn't want to live like that anymore. Instead, I wanted to know what God's will for my life was. For as long as I can remember, I've always done what my parents wanted career wise. After I graduated, during those times I was working, I began thinking to myself, "What am I destined to become?" I wanted to do something I love and follow my heart, but I needed help from God because I wanted to do what pleased Him. I know many people who come over to the U.S. never want to think about going back home and even discourage those who do, but I didn't care about all that. My thing was, "God I want to do what you want me to do. If it's not your will for me to be in this country, then so be it. I'm ready to pack up my bags and go wherever you want me to be."

Well, doing God's will required some sacrifices. I spent less time hanging around and more time in my prayer closet. I fasted and prayed, and during this time, I went through hell. Sometimes I felt like giving up, but God gave me the strength to go on. He made it known to me that His will was for me to continue my education and go into grad school, so I started applying to schools.

Now, it was quite late when I started. By then, many schools' deadlines had passed, but I applied anyway. I then narrowed my search to two schools: Argosy & Mercer University. Mercer cost more money, and their semester started about a month earlier than Argosy, so in the end, we chose Argosy.

I went through the process; got the recommendation letters, transcripts and everything in on time. The only challenge was the financial statements. Even though Argosy doesn't have residences where their students stay - all students live off campus - they still asked for statements that showed I had enough money to cover room & board. That came to about $35,000. My mom and my uncle tried everything they could think of to come up with the money, but it was just too much. We spoke to everyone we knew and had sleepless nights trying to get the funds, and just when we thought we were close to our miracle, something worse came up. I tried to talk to the Student Director at the school to see if they could work something out, but it was to no avail.

Finally, I just packed up my clothes and had them shipped back to Zambia. I challenged God, saying, "If it's REALLY your will that I get into school, even though I'm not from this country, you will make it possible." I then started searching for tickets online and told my family I was coming home. Some people asked me if I had given up. I said, "No. I've done everything in my power. Now it's time for God to show Himself strong in my life."

At the very last minute, God came through for me. A company in Zambia offered to sponsor my education. They sent in their bank statements, which had more than enough money to cover everything. So, I was able to register for classes. Even though I was two weeks late for my first class, my professor was a good man who worked with me and made sure I got all the help I needed to catch up. My grade for that first class was an "A," and that was the start of a wonderful journey.

I just want to encourage someone out there; no matter what you are going through, God will surely come through for you. The verse in Isaiah that says, "The word that comes out of my mouth shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I sent it forth to do," has a new meaning for me. I've really seen God work in my life. I can't understand people who say, "There is no God." I just cannot comprehend that. When I look back at what God has done for me, there is NO WAY I could've done it, no way someone else did it, no way was it luck or expertise or foreknowledge or witchcraft......I know GOD IS ALIVE. He is in my life, for me. ALL GLORY and honor be unto JESUS CHRIST OF NAZARETH! God is forever faithful. I have seen and experienced His faithfulness in my life. I have many, many testimonies, not just this one. They involve almost every area of my life, and each and every time, God has been there for me. I cannot thank Him enough. - Dalimu

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