It's a beginning

Well, I have said for the past two months that I would start a blog so that people can follow what is going on with the trip to Africa... and our lives. This morning must have been the magical moment because here it is!

To find a spot to truly call the beginning is a senseless task. The best I can tell you is the beginning of this journey happened long before I took my first breathe, when only God knew of my existence. I can honestly say that I believe that God has pursued me all of my life. From the time I was young attending Sunday School and church with my cousins, I knew God was calling. In college, God's persistence won! I chose to follow Him. I wish I can say that since day almost 17 years ago, that my life has been nothing but worship and praise. However, that would be a lie. Instead it has been a ever changing journey. I have crawled through valleys and climbed to the peaks; cried out and sang His praise.

So to the present--the big trip.

Last January (oh wait, did I say to the present? :)), I finally decided it was time to go back to school and pursue my Masters. I chose Liberty University because of its Christian values and the fact that almost all of my Masters could be completed online with the exception of internships and three classes. Last summer I journeyed to Lynchburg for the first of these classes. In the afternoon, I was blessed to study under a woman whose love for Christ was nothing short of contagious. Our personalities clicked and since then we have become good friends. I have learned a great deal from this person professionally, personally, and most important-- spiritually.
At the end of October, she asked if I would accompany her and a team to Uganda. I, of course thought she was kidding. After mentioning it at least three more times, I finally decided maybe I should take her request serious. Rick and I talked it over, prayed, prayed, and prayed some more. We felt God telling me to "GO!" Since then, each piece to make this journey possible is slowly falling into place. My employer granted me leave without question, a family friend donated air miles so that I can fly to VA to meet and fly with the team to Uganda, my passport arrived without issue, and slowly funds are trickling in to assist with the cost.
In two months, I will board a plane and fly to a different continent, to a world that is unlike anything I can fathom. While there, it is my prayer that God will pour His love through me. I am told that our time in Uganda will not be structured minute by minute. Instead it is the desire of those in charge of the Zion Project that we spend time listening to what God wants each of us to do and then be obedient to this call. (WHAT! No minute by minute agenda?!!!! For those who know me well, know that apparently God has decided to work on my OCD through this trip!!!!)

I ask that you pray. Pray for each of the people we encounter; pray for each person God is sending on this team and for their families; pray for safety; pray for guidance. Most importantly pray that we will each set aside our needs and desires so that we can learn to be more of who God desires us to be. "Less of me and more of Him," not only for this trip but in our daily lives. Who knows, we may be the only "Jesus" someone will ever meet!