He doesn’t do it halfway!  I have to share with you an opportunity that has been “given” to me.  But first, a little history.

I have had the privilege of participating in a lot of overseas trips in my lifetime.  From the ones I can remember, I’ve been to the following countries:  England, Germany, Russia, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, France, Italy, South America, Canada and Japan.  There might be more, but my brain doesn’t remember like it used to.  On all of those trips I was also involved in music ventures in some way.

Ever since my double-lung transplant in 2008, I’ve wondered if I’d ever be able to travel internationally again.  I really had a desire to, and have had a couple of opportunities to since transplant, but either the timing didn’t work out or my health didn’t cooperate.  Another thought was in my head about a year and a half ago, I really had a desire to visit the Middle East.  There were a lot of reasons, some obvious and others not, but I had what you might say was a “burning desire” to go.  I looked at several opportunities, but most were too expensive, so I shelved the idea thinking, “Lord, if you want me to go, you’ll have to provide the way.”

After several months of this desire I received a call from a friend of mine here in town.  He and his wife had spent some time in the Middle East and had recently returned to live here.  My friend contacted me about a possible invitation to go with him, and other musicians, to the Middle East as part of a concert series!  All expenses paid and, WE get paid as well for participating!  My heart jumped, and then I jumped at the opportunity!

So, after almost a year of schedule changes and formatting of the group, etc. it’s official, I’ll be leaving for the Middle East on Saturday, May 19!  I can’t share all the details with you about this trip right now, I can do that after we return.  But for now, I do covet your prayers for protection and “opportunities.”  Duke has cleared me for travel and I’m still feeling great, so off we go!

Wow!  Like I said, when God answers prayer, He doesn’t mess around!