I'm not sure what I was expecting as I headed towards another continent.  I knew the people and surroundings would be completely different from America.  I knew the living conditions and roads wouldn't be anything close to what we have here.  But I wasn't sure what God had in store for me.  I had been praying for several things to happen:
1. I wanted to teach God's Word and make a difference in the lives of other pastors.  So many pastors have helped me.
2. Asked God to rip my heart out and give me a new love for others.
3. I begged God to let me see and do some super natural things.  Things only God could do.
4. Asked for safety there and back and protection while gone or all of us and our families.
5. Lastly, just asked God to do whatever HE wanted in me.

I don't want to share some things until June 28th.  But let me share how God answered several prayers.

First, my heart was ripped out for these people.  Jo Anne Case organized the trip and she told me she had prayed for God to speak to me about doing something for these people.  This was her second trip to Tabora and she knew the hurt and pain involved.  Her prayers were answered.  I'm praying through exactly how God wants me and our people to help the village of Tabora.  Much more of this on June 28th.

I've already begun writing the message for the 28th.  I want it to be completely done so I can enjoy vacation, but I already know there is one portion that could be the most difficult thing I've ever shared with our church about me.  I don't want to say anything else because it is too difficult.  Please pray for me as I give this heart felt message.

Second, God did some stuff in me I hadn't asked for but He knew needed to take place.  I think of myself as a very giving person.  We tithe 20% and give to other ministries and people as needed.  I truly want to bless others as God has blessed me.  I'm not a rich man but I am debt free (except house) and live very comfortably.  The thing God worked on me and I wasn't asking for or ready for is the finances God has given me.  Do I want to invest into heavenly things or just earthly?  Please hear me, I'm not going all psycho on you.  I will continue fishing and going out to eat.  Heck, I'm heading for Mexico on Saturday.  But heres the deal, I can make a difference in the lives of many others with some of the finances God has entrusted me with.  I'm praying through exactly what God wants the Herman family to do financially. 

Third, God helped me to understand just how much I take for granted in regards to my family.  I love my family so much, but there are times I wish I was 100 miles from them.  And being honest, its usually because I'm in a bad mood and has nothing to do with them.  But when you are thousands of miles away and sitting in a room all by yourself you begin to wish you were holding those you love most.  Jacob, my ten year old, is just like me.  In fact many call him dj (dean junior).  He can literally drive me about nuts at times.  (Mom always told me she hoped I had a son like me one day, thanks Mom).  Getting off the plane Jacob was the first to run and meet me with open arms.  12 days away from Deb was hard.  She truly is the woman of my dreams.  Sunday night was the first time I got to see Hudson and he didn't want me to put him down and just kept hugging me.  Isn't it amazing how easy we forget about some of the most important things in life?  I can't imagine life without my wife, kids and Clary's.

Fourth, God knows I'm a man of action.  God knows my personality, he created it.  He knew once I saw Tabora I would have to do something about it.  I'm so excited about the 28th as I share what God has stirred in my heart.  Action will be taken, question is, will you be involved or worried about buying a bigger house and another car?

Tomorrow I will put up a bunch of pictures from the trip.  You know the old saying, "a picture is worth a thousand words."