What a difference a few days can make. So, I now have a plan. I’m going to Ethiopia! I’m so excited, I can hardly contain myself!
I’ve started the process. First, I prayed…a very important first step! Secondly, I waited for confirmation from God…also, a very good way to start any project! Praying does no good if you don’t stop and listen for an answer! Next, I made sure I have my husband’s support; I could not and would not do this without his blessing. If I’ve learned nothing else, I know my husband’s support is an absolute necessity! Then, I filled out and turned in my application at church. I have pastoral support from my girl, Sherry Harris–truly the coolest missionary (and one of the most awesome women, period) I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. I sent off all the paperwork for my passport two days ago, I got my shots updated at the doctor and prescriptions to fight off malaria and “Montezuma’s Revenge” (watery diarrhea – ew!). I have even put $100 toward my trip already. Yippee!
With all the excitement in my tone, please don’t mistake the fact that this is a very serious trip. Its going to be physically and emotionally draining. I will see things that, for the rest of my life, I can never wash away from my memory. Some of those things will be awesome, but many will be quite tragic. But I know in my heart that God can make a difference and that, just by us being sent on His behalf, He’s going to bless someone while we’re there! If its just one smile or one touch or one full tummy…it’ll all be worth it.
The goal of our trip is to work in three primary areas: a feeding program, a medical program, and a program that helps save young women from the sex trade industry. All of these things are big, big issues in Ethiopia, but nothing is too great for our God!
So I’m praying, and would appreciate your help in praying, for this trip to make a difference in people’s lives. I’m praying that God’s love will shine through those of us who will be serving there and that the people of Ethiopia will be able to feel God’s mercy and blessing upon them. I pray for traveling mercies, that we all make it there and back in safety and in good health. And I just pray that God’s will be done while we’re there–that not one minute is lived without purpose.
In order to get me to Africa, I’m planning a few fund-raisers. First off, I will be sending letters for support to my friends, family, and coworkers. I hope they won’t mind me asking for support. I know that most won’t mind at all. As a matter of fact, some of my close friends are almost as excited about this as I am! If you get a request for support from me and you just can’t do it, please don’t avoid me, and definitely don’t offer to help and then “forget.” Its okay. I won’t hound you or bug you about it. These are some trying financial times and I understand that not everyone will be able to help me financially. But, whatever you can do, I will be so thankful for! And, whether you can help me out finanically or not, I do ask that you all support me in prayer!
One fun-type fundraiser I’m planning is a bus trip to Hermann, MO. As it currently stands, I’m hoping to be able to schedule that trip for the same weekend as their homecoming (toward the end of May) so there will be lots of things for us to do. I, personally, am not much of a wine drinker, but I know lots of you enjoy a glass from time to time. So I thought going there had the potential to be lots of fun for anyone who would like to come. I mean, come on, where else can you see a LIVE annual beard and mustache contest?! I’m still getting prices together. I’ll let everyone know very soon what the cost will be.
Another item on the board is a trivia night. I don’t have an estimated date for this right now, but I’m working on questions already. lol. Any of you who know me know I don’t like waiting until the last minute to prepare for something!! That should be a fun evening!
And there may be other little things along the way…bake sales, yard sales, etc.
So agree with me in prayer and I’ll keep you posted on the status of things!!
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