In awe

I wrote this around 6pm on Tuesday, Aug 6:

I am on a plane from Denver to Phoenix.  I am going for work to do a site audit.  AT&T has been a blessing to work for.  I love my job!  I was watching Netflix-Designated Survivor-and I thought about how happy I am.  I got this overwhelming sense of joy and elation!  I have to share why.  God is on the move and it’s amazing to see!

Lately God has put TUMI on my heart for Prison Ministry.  I don’t know a lot about TUMI, and even research online wasn’t very helpful.  I asked my program director for the Academy (I volunteer with Prison Fellowship Organization -PFO- and serve at Denver Women’s Correctional Facility -DWCF- and teach once a week as part of the year long program) about TUMI and if DWCF even still has it as an option for the ladies.  

I also talked to Patrice Turban about joining me.  Amy Kaufmann (my co-teacher for the Academy) doesn’t have TUMI on her heart as much as I do.  She may be moving to Asia soon for a couple of years and the commitment wouldn’t work for that plan.  I don’t want to do this without a close friend that has the same passion about prison ministry as I do, even though I know I would meet new folks along the way.  Patrice is all in and very excited about it.

I’ve been praying about it, asked a few key friends to pray with me about it.  My tribe, especially.

Well, Ben Pierce, my PFO Program Director, called me today.  We had a great conversation, and he said I would need to talk to Kris Briggs as she’s in charge of the TUMI program.  He said it was 3.5 to 4 years and it goes in depth into the Bible, doctrine, etc.  It is designed for those that want to go into ministry (either on the inside or on the outside) after completing TUMI.  

We talked about my staying in the Academy until this year concluded.  I am committed to completing this year regardless of my opportunities with TUMI.  I talked to him about Liz Davis, a gal at church who is interested in volunteering.  I am trying to help with a succession plan, of sorts, so they aren’t left a teacher short next year.  Ben said I may not have to worry about that as he had three folks in the pipeline to possibly join.  And my leaving would open a door for one of them to step up.

I told him that while I knew “TUMI” was from God since I didn’t know much about it, this was me talking:  I don’t love to repeat studies.  In the Academy there is enough curriculum that I haven’t had a repeat course in the three years that I’ve been teaching, but starting next year, I would be teaching all repeat studies.  I know that’s my preference, but TUMI would solve that!  3-4 years of new study...by the time I came around to doing it again, I wouldn’t mind doing it again as I probably would have forgotten it.  LOL

He said some really kind words about not wanting me to leave, and selfishly wanting me to stay with his program, but in his prayer at the end of our conversation, he prayed that he released me to whatever God had planned for me.  I shed some tears over that.

And I know Prison Ministry is my calling.  When Pastor Rob had us all come up to the computer and type out our marker moment during a 1st Wednesday service in June (maybe May?) I was trying to decide between a couple of them when God said “Prison Ministry” LOUD.  I just typed two words for the church to see.  But God and my closest friends knew the details.  So confirming since that is what I heard several years ago in Montana and again when I moved to Denver.

I just know I will gladly do what God wants me to do in prison.  Even if that is remain in the Academy.  I know God will let me know by the door He opens and closes.

So, I called Kris Briggs.  We had a great conversation.  She is 71 years old - I LOVE old people LOL - and has been with TUMI for a long time.  She is actually the site administrator for DWCF and TUMI, and said while she didn’t want to scare me away, she wants to transition out of that role so she can start a new program within the TUMI umbrella for after-care and family care of the students.  Not scared.  Admin is my #1 spiritual gift.  She said some details of that job (coordinating graduations, liaison between TUMI and the volunteer coordinators at DWCF...one of which I have a great relationship with already!...coordinating volunteers, etc., FUN!) and the process for the program.  The ladies have to take an 11-week course called Fight the Good Fight of Faith as a pre-requisite.  She suggested that I teach that with her starting in September.  

It’s on Tuesday nights.  That is when my small group at church is, currently.  I need to pursue moving that. Praying that Sunday or Monday works for the ladies.  Sunday church, small group either Sunday or Monday and TUMI on Tuesdays would be awesome.  Next year I will travel for work again and that would leave Wed-Fri for work trips.  Way better than working around Thursdays’ Academy.  But, I want this all to be God’s plan.  If I control all this, God doesn’t get the glory.

I told her about Patrice.  She said maybe we don’t need that many mentors (teachers?  I need to ask what that role looks like.) but she would gladly receive what God gives her with grace.  She suggested both Patrice and I join her in September so we could start with the TUMI class and see where the students have to start - and for reference.  We made plans for the three of us to meet for lunch on Aug 26, Monday, 11am, at Pearl of Siam.  She lives in Aurora, too!  

I want more details and am sure to think of more questions by then.

I was at the airport when I was talking to her.  I then called Patrice as we were talking about her small group moving to Tuesday, also.  I hoped she hadn’t so she didn’t have to move it again.  She didn’t.  I asked if she could do lunch, she can.  I asked if she could do the pre-requisite class in September for 11 weeks, she can.  Does she still have the credentials to volunteer at DWCF?  She does.  Whoa!  

And I saw a Tumi backpack while walking around the airport.  God shows us signs in the most unlikely of places if we’re open to seeing them.

God is on the move.

I am so grateful that He is speaking to me, and making it obvious He is all over this.  Even if TUMI doesn’t work out, it doesn’t hurt to network and meet new people.  And obey Him along the way.  It is so timely - we just ended a study in our small group at church called “He Speaks To Me” by Priscilla Shirer.  And we started 21-days of prayer at church yesterday.  A-to-the-men!!!  

So joy.  Yes.  I want to burst.

Update on Wednesday, Aug 7:

When I got off of the plane, I was looking around for something to eat.  I was meeting Adam Mahmud, my Asurion partner and dear friend, and had a couple of hours to kill before he landed.  A couple of gates later, I rounded a corner, and there was a Tumi store!  You can’t make this stuff up!  I have never seen a Tumi bag/luggage store.  Ever.  

God, I love you and I am in such awe of your grace and sense of humor.  Thank you for guiding my steps.