Wednesday, March 4, 2009

hmm.
if only i had something substantial to write about in a new post.

BUT WAIT.

i totally do. i, ladies and gentlemen, am going to (drumroll please).....AFRICA
wow, didnt think those words would ever come out of my mouth, or fingers rather. but it is true, and let me tell you, i am filled to the brim with emotion each and every time i think about it. sometimes my feelings fluctuate, from the realization of it's severity or the even just the excitement of it all. but one thing remains prevalent, and that is my amazement at how God is proving Himself faithful, in every way.

lets start at the very beginning, ive heard thats a pretty good place to start.

on a sunday, sometime after worship, as i sat in a chair bolted to a concrete floor, i watched the faces of children, each evoking a different emotion. some children exuded joy, which amazed me, considering they were orphans, living in Uganda. something inside of me longed to share in their joy, for the understanding of being content in having so little, resting in things far more important than the convenience of starbucks, or my favorite philosophy face wash. in a way, i felt lacking. other faces were full of despair, a pure lack of hope. and at this my heart broke. i am so blessed, and the same love that i feel each and every day from my God, is the same love available to these children. why shouldnt i be the one to share it with them.

and that was it. God quickened in my heart a desire i never knew would exist so fervently, and with such urgency. i knew, i needed to be there. all i had to do was wait. eventually i made my interest in serving at welcome home known to my dear friends Jerry and Barbara Northcutt. they were the ones who traveled to Jinja and brought back the stories and pictures that triggered this entire thing. they so graciously contacted the operator, who's home is in orange county, and the next thing i knew, i had an opportunity to go with the Northcutts to talk about my potential trip to Uganda. let me just tell you i was blown away with how God was already making a way for the trip to be possible. i absolutely adored Luke and Mandy, the passionate Austrailian couple who operate the welcome home ministries in Jinja.

since that meeting in november, the ball has just been rolling. from what things look like at the moment, i will be traveling on the 6th of july and returning the 30th. all of the little details where God have shown Himself to be faithful, and my provider, have been overwhelmingly encouraging, and i somewhat selfishly hope and pray that they will continue, guiding me through this journey.

pslams 31:14-15 "But I am trusting you, O Lord, saying "You are my God!" My future is in your hands."