Confession

Last year as I prepared to go to Africa for the first time, I was nervous and afraid.  I had no idea what to expect, no idea if there would be anything there I would eat, and no idea if I would like the people (or more truthfully if they would like me).

After my trip last year, I was amazed at how comfortable I was there and how I connected with people.  I was also surprised that I was dreaming about Sarah's cooking! It's been a heck of a year looking back to see all God had in store for me on that trip.  It is also cool to look forward and see the amazing and previously unseen adventures He has in store for me this summer and in the future.  I love my new friendships that have grown over the last few months.

Here's my confession:  This year's trip is technically a "short terms missions" trip, but in reality it feels like I'm going to visit family and some of my favorite friends :)  What a difference a year makes.  It's absolutely unbelievable to me that God could use an ordinary, kind of boring, nothing special (by worldly standards), person with no special talents like me to do His work!!!!!!  I had heard that this happens to other people but always assumed they were secretly really cool and talented before.

I'm here to tell you, all you need to do it SHOW UP and cool things happen.  You, yes YOU, are one of the people who can be used to change others lives and your own in the process.  Just show up somewhere you might be nervous and bit afraid to go and see what happens :)

Step One: Complete!

I am so excited to hit the first financial deadline of the trip with three days to spare :)
This first deadline was half of the money due, so it was the largest and most intense one.  I'm one step closer to putting my feet on African soil again and could not be happier to think about that!

I have been working hard on a fundraiser that will happen this weekend at a children's consignment sale.  Glad for all the donations of children's clothes, toys, and furniture that people have given for this event and I'm praying that big things happen on Friday and Saturday to give me a jump start towards my next deadline. Next deadline is to be at $3200 by May 19th. 

In May I have an online auction coming your way.  I'm excited to share these great items with you.  I have items I picked up in Africa last year, passes to local kids venues, and a few friends are joining in the fun like Abbadabba bags!!!  This is going to be fun, so get ready for it!