Let the Games Begin!

I'm starting to get nervous. Today I'm sending out my support letters. I leave in 1 month and know that I will be challenged. Being in the buzz of California gets under my skin and I know when I arrive in Nairobi, Kenya my first day, I will experience a bit of shock I'm sure.

But I am excited. So deeply excited. Being able to be vessel for God’s love and grace makes my heart sing. My personal mission while on this trip is to powerfully make a difference in the lives of youth, the dying and destitute, and the poor and needy, and to leave each and every human being I come across in Africa with the sense that they matter and make a difference on this earth. Amen.

So I will be in Kenya at the Outreach Foundation through the HopeRuns organization for the first 2 weeks. I will also get the chance to see the child (who lives in Nairobi Kenya) I sponsor 35$ a month through World Vision. The last 10 days I will be in Ethiopia with a friend Julie with an organization called HopeEnterprise, a non-profit missions center my church has set me up with that’s been serving the needy since 1971 – we will be a part of several different ministries -- such as feeding lines for the poor, building relationships at Abrahams Girl’s Home (a refuge for girls that have been sold into slavery or prostitution) and also at Mother Theresa’s Sisters of Charity (a hospital for the dying and destitute).

I'm so excited! Let the game's begin! Maybe not the Olympic games now but games for God! One last thing, here are some prayer requests:

Strength and resolve to serve in the face of feeling tired and worn out

Safe travelsUnity with Julie in Ethiopia and my team in Kenya

That God would make us His instrumentsConnections with the children of Abraham Girl’s Home (Ethiopia) and the Tumaini Children's home (Kenya) the dying of Sisters of Charity Hospital (Ethiopia)

Flexible spirits and smiles that would never fadeEase of logisticsThat God would prepare my heart and meet me in the challenges I will face

That our eyes would be open to see the blessing and joy in Africa, not just the pain and suffering

That as I seek to teach, I would be open to learning and He would change meProtection for Julie, my team, and I

Connections among the families

Humility and listening earsNew friends

Luggage that arrives in a timely manner

An easy re-entry home