My IMPOSSIBLE call to the Karimojong

I've been stepping out of my comfort zone for years, but what should I do when I believe God is calling me to do something that I know I cannot physically do?  For some years I've been following the plight of the Karimojong people in Uganda.  It is becoming quite clear that God expects us to go up to Karamoja land on an exploratory mission.  We've been in touch with a Christian missionary veterinarian up there and she has suggested November 2013 as an ideal time for the trip.  Roads are most likely to be passable, and the weather is not yet at its hottest.  I know I have to go.

Yet even as I write this, I realize that I am in no shape to go.  I would say that my physical ability to make that trip and to do the exploration successfully is just about as close to zero as it is possible to get.  For years I've struggled with fibromyalgia pain.  It's not responded to any of the pain medications and anti-inflammatories my doctors have given me.  And it's got a lot worse recently.  The truth is that I've taken the easy path, avoiding needed exercise because I found it painful.  That's an ever-increasing downward cycle.   As my life has become more sedentary I've also filled in my minutes by munching and comforted myself with food, getting more and more out of shape.

Although the deterioration of my condition is rather advanced, I am believing that it must be possible to reverse degenerative fibromyalgia pain.  If it wasn't possible, God would not be asking me to go to Karamoja.

So, yesterday I made a decision to commit myself to getting in shape.  I will do everything I know to do, believing that by November 2013 I can build up the stamina and health needed to go to Karamoja.
I've tried several kinds of supplements, and they have not helped long term.  I've tried pain relievers from a neurologist my doctor sent me to see and anti-inflammatories from my chiropractor.  I believe my lifestyle has to be the key.  I developed these problems after I came home from Africa and began to be less physically active.  I've tried several times to adopt a more disciplined lifestyle, always falling back into old habits and the easy path.  But I was leaving myself an out--trying to do it quietly on my own.

This time, I am announcing my intention publicly.  I have already put it on Facebook.  I need friends to pray for me, encourage me and keep me accountable. 

I've begun to keep a fitness diary--diet, exercise, pain levels, attitude.  Maybe it will help me spot problem areas and maybe it will encourage someone else who is struggling.

My goal is not just to look good, although I won't complain about any improvements in that area!
My goal is to be able to do what God is asking me to do.  Today I did several forms of exercise, starting gradually.  But when I sat for half an hour to do scrapbooking tonight, I was almost unable to stand afterwards.  The back muscles of my upper legs just tighten up and refuse to work.  That's why it's such a spectacle to watch me try to get up after sitting for awhile.  I have no doubt that I cannot do this right now.  Graciously, God has given me a little over 13 months to work on the problem.  I know the precious Karimojong people are well worth the effort.