A Request

Let me start by saying how thankful I am to have the opportunity to do mission work.  Although I have felt Satan try to roadblock every step of the way, God has provided everything I have needed thus far.  My family will be taking care of my kids/husband while I'm gone, my sweet friend has done all of our travel arrangements, my church has provided funding, and so many friends and family have given donations to take.  This trip has seemed somewhat effortless so far.  I don't mean to get too comfortable, though.  Like I said in my last post, there's risk in this trip.  There always is.

I have a few prayer requests for our trip.  I will be gone March 18-27 and most of the group will be staying until about April 1.
*Safety, in air and in country-I hate flying and have anxiety issues with it
*Open hearts of those we minister to and that God shows Himself big time!
*My family-that my boys are safe and sleep well, my inlaws as they help take care of the boys, and for my sweet husband as he is Mr. Mom
*My health-that my back stays strong and none of us get sick
*My grandmother-she's not doing well and I pray I'll have the opportunity to see her again when I get home

As well as we've planned and as much as we pray, I know not everything will go exactly as planned.  A friend has recently said that when things don't go exactly as planned, it's an opportunity for God to show Himself.  That gives me much comfort in reminding myself that He's in control and His plan is better than anything I could ever dream up.  So, I must trust and obey.

Why I'm going back

When I tell people I'm going back to Ethiopia, I usually get the same response.  Big eyes and, "really...." and a strange head shake.  I can tell that, for the most part, many people don't understand why I would want to go back so soon, especially since I got sick last time.

Let's be honest here, there are plenty of reasons I shouldn't go.
*I hate flying...and East Africa is a long ways away if you haven't looked at a map lately
*My whole family is staying home
*I'm missing Spring Break with my kids
*I won't be spending my birthday with my family
*I had to get more shots...ouch! in my arm and pocketbook
*My recent back injury isn't completely better
*I'm still working on bonding/attachment with Silas at times and this could put us back
*My Mamaw has been in and out of the hospital a lot lately and we
*Hellooo!  The Hunger Games movie comes out while I'm gone!!
*I got sick last time.  Really sick.

Bottom line:  There's risk.  And by the world's standards, it's probably too risky.  I should just stay home and enjoy the comfortable life I have here.  Why jeopardize anything?

I'll tell you why.  I believe that we were put on this earth to love.  Sure, I could just love those around me in my area and believe me, I do.  But God has put a love for the African people in my heart and it's been there for a long time.  Now that I've experienced them and their culture firsthand, not to mention my sweet baby, I feel even more passionately about them.  Let me make myself clear.  I do not believe they need rich Americans to come in and take anything over, tell them what to do, or do anything for them.  I do believe that if God has so richly blessed anyone with resources, we are to help those in need with what we have.  It's about perspective and heart.  It's about love and sacrifice.

Ever heard the phrase, "I need Africa more than Africa needs me"?  Yeah, I do need Africa.  I need to be reminded that there is much joy in suffering.  I need to enjoy the simplicity of their daily life.  I need to be reminded that this world is not our home.  I need to be reminded that I must acknowledge the blessings I so often take for granted.  I also feel like I need to stay connected to my son's roots.

I'm going back, taking risks, making sacrifices, and I'm ready to love.  Love people who the world has deemed unworthy, forgotten, unlovable.  I asked God to give me an opportunity to go back and minister to some of the people I love the most, this opportunity came up, God has opened every door for this trip, and I'm going.  If I wasn't so sure He had paved the way for this trip, I might be hesitant.  But I'm not. 

More info on exactly what we'll be doing coming soon!