tomorrow

I can't believe that tomorrow I'll be leaving for this month journey in Kenya. The Lord has blessed every part of my preparation for this trip and He has been so faithful in opening doors throughout all this! It seems that not too long ago it was my freshman year of college, where I first felt called to Africa and I found myself in Ethiopia (why I first started this blog!). Again the desire to return was put on my heart this year, and here I am! About to leave for four weeks to serve and love the people of Kenya well. 

My suitcase is all the way filled and so is my heart as I'm saying my goodbyes today! I'm full of much excitement as I will be sharing the good news of the gospel to the people of Kenya SO soon! Sometimes I find myself preparing to bring God to Kenya, into the homes and hearts of Nairobi. Yesterday, I was reminded again that God is already there! He has been dwelling in the hearts and lives of the people of Kenya, and I'm not bringing Him into this country because He has presence has long been there! I am so excited to see Him in a different light, without conveniences, comforts, and distractions. I cannot wait to see our same God that is present here equally as present in Kenya. 

This whole process has been humbling. I feel so inadequate. But I know that the Lord will be working through me as I share His love with the people of Nairobi. My prayer is that it won't be my words that reach hearts but the Lords, and I trust He will bless the conversations we have.

So as of right now, my bags are packed with all the necessities:

1- White Vnecks, the best hanes has to offer!  2- Long skirts, compliments of Target and my sweet friend, Katie Collins!  3- Malaria pills. The scary dream kind.  4- Protein bars... Like so many. My dad had a few (lots) left over from Haiti! Better safe then sorry ya know?  5- Tall socks. I don't think this is really "required"... But if you know me at all, you know it kind of is.  6- My bible and journal, just waiting to be filled with stories.  7- Really intense bug spray that my dad had that you get at the pharmacy (didn't know that existed!), just in case the malaria pills fall through.   8- Pictures of my sweet family and friends to share with the kids in the orphanage we will be with.  9- Crafts crafts crafts!  10- All my yarn... You better believe I'm going to be teaching everyone how to knit!

I feel so blessed to be starting this journey and I can't wait to share the love and grace that comes from Jesus! I would love for you to keep reading and praying about my journey, as it will be starting tomorrow when I fly out to Dallas for a two day training! EEEKK!

I still have $1,500 to raise so if you would like to support my mission, click the "DONATE" button on the right side of my page! I appreciate everyone's prayers and financial support so much!

Ready, set........

Eleven days... What?

Eleven days everyone!!! I will be on my way to Kenya in eleven short days! Friends and family, I cannot wait to be back serving in Africa! AH! This past week has literally been a whirlwind. I've been trying to study for the GRE (I should get an A for effort... right?) and celebrating my sister graduating from high school! We had a crawfish boil the other day for her graduation party and it was so fun getting to celebrate Katy! I've been running erronds and babysitting a whole lot to try to raise the last bit of money for my trip. And I've made it to the last $1,500 mark! You may be asking, wait isn't that still kind of a lot? Considering how far I've come on this journey of raising $5,300 for my trip, I am so excited! The Lord will provide the last $1,500! If you're interested in supporting the last bit of my trip, click the "donate" button on the right side of my page!!

My sweet dad is going to Haiti this Wednesday on a medical mission trip with my church. Goodness, he is such an example of being a humble servant for Christ. He uses his talents and gifts to bless others and he is such an encouragement for me to do the same. Please pray for his team as he travels, that they will be able to serve as many people as possible and that all of the surgeries/medical stuff goes well! 

With all of this excitement going on, its been somewhat overwhelming. I listened to the "Desert Song" today and good grief I needed to hear it. Not just hear it, but let it sink in, you know? It's kind of like when you're listening to a song you really like and then you actually listen to the lyrics and you realize how much more you love it? That's what happened today and PTL it did.

"This is my prayer in the desert
when all that's within me feels dry
This is my prayer in my hunger and need
My God is the God who provides


This is my prayer in the fire
In weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved of more worth than gold
So refine me Lord through the flame


I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon formed against me shall remain


I will rejoice
I will declare
God is my victory
and He is here"

Happy Sunday friends!

Let the countdown begin

In 21 days I will be boarding a plane (at 6:30 in the morning woof) to head to KENYA. I've spent so much of this year looking forward to this trip and I can't believe I'm less than a month away. So basically, I've been running a whole lot of errands and hoping that these next few weeks fly by.

My errands today consisted of getting some shots (yikes) and being prescribed NINE WEEKS of the nightmare malaria pills. Yeah folks, the side effect really is night mares. The last time I took those pills my dreams went off the deep end and it was the most bizarre thing. Another story, another post. Then I went out to my fave store on the universe, Target, where I was so thankful that long maxi skirts are "in" now. Because there was a crazy amount to choose from so I went a little crazy and bought two. 

Tomorrow, I'm heading to go thrifting because I love thrift stores and having excuses to go. So I'll get a few cool and comfy t shirts and probably other random things that I discover. I'll be collecting art and craft  donations and will hopefully be picking up donated supplies throughout the next few weeks. I am so thankful that Kenya is so soon! AH! On a not so fun note, I'm taking the GRE in 18 days. Yikes. With all of this preparation going on, I'm going to be trying to study for this "college ACT" and get in the school mind set (we'll see how that goes...) Why did I plan this right before I left again?

With three weeks left, I have $2,500 dollars left to raise. Like I said before, that is somewhat of a daunting number. It overwhelms me and intimidates me. But I'm even more thankful that this number isn't daunting to our faithful God and I am so excited to see how He is going to work in the next few weeks. Please continue to pray for the financial side of this trip and for the hearts preparing to go!