Visits With Treasured Friends

I am thankful beyond words for the wonderful visits I have had with two of my closest friends (and their families) over the past two weekends! They are the kind of friends whom you know are life-long no matter the physcial distance between you. These friends are precious, treasured, a gift unlike any other in this life.

I spent the first weekend in VA with my closest friend from college - turned roommate for 6 years! She now resides in Seattle, WA. When I am with her I can only describe it as like being "home". Like we are supposed to be together. Friends forever! (She doesn't know it yet, but I have decided to pray that she will end up in Africa with me :0) Even though she has been away for almost two years, nothing has changed between us. I was also able to spend time with her mom and grandparents who have adopted me as their "northern daughter". They are my southern family. I cannot tell you how much they have meant to me over the past twelve years.


Then, last weekend, I went to New York. 14 years ago I attended Word of Life Bible Institute in Schroon Lake, NY and met my BFF. She was one of my first roommates (there were four of us in a room). We connected instantly! We did everything together. I can't imagine how my first year away from home would have been without her. She is a God-send, even to this day! We have stayed in touch on a regular basis. It had been nearly 5 years since I last saw her. She has been married for 4 years now and I was able to meet her husband. He "fit in" with us perfectly! Lucky for him ;o) I am also praying that these two will end up in Africa with me. It is not as unlikely as you may think, since her husband is from Kenya. Her family has also adopted me. I was able to spend time with her mom, sister and niece too.



What amazingly wonderful weekends! I am blessed! Time with loved ones is a gift. I will treasure it always.

Why Africa?

Why did I choose Africa? Why not stay and help children in America? They surely need it! Why not go to Haiti? Why Africa? I have been asked these kind of questions on several different occasions. The answer is - I didn't choose it. In a way, it chose me! Actually, I had hoped to go to Asia and work with orphans there. I had heard about all of the girls that were unwanted and abandoned or placed into orphanages. I also had a few good Asian friends in college whom I really connected with. I would have loved to go and visit their country. So, I thought that Asia may be a good place for me. I attempted to go on a mission trip to Asia two different times with my church. Both times there were circumstances beyond my control and I was unable to go.

Then, nearly 6 years ago, in the fall of 2004, I was sitting in church minding my own business when they announced that there would be a Kenya mission trip meeting after the 2nd service. I had never in my life even entertained the idea of going to Africa. Actually, I hadn't thought of it either negatively or positively. I just never thought of it. Nonetheless, that day after the 2nd service I found myself sitting in a room full of people discussing the Kenya mission trip that would take place the following January, 2005. After that things just fell into place, literally. All of the funds came rolling in, everywhere I looked I saw God's hand moving me to go to Africa. I did not understand exactly why I was going, but I went. Am I glad I did! It was from that time on that my heart has been in Africa. I knew when I returned that I would go back again. I did go on another mission trip to Zambia, Africa in July of 2008. Then again, upon that return I knew I would go back and here I go! Lord willing, I will be in Uganda by August of this year. I am teaming up with Every Child Ministries (E.C.M.) to work with the orphans and war-effected children there. Please check out E.C.M.'s website when you get a chance. It is a wonderful Christian organization dedicated to reach every child in Africa with real help and a living hope! http://www.ecmafrica.org/


So, all of that being said. Why Africa? I believe that God has ordained it to be!

A tarantula? In the house? Really Lord???

It has taken me awhile to start "blogging" and I will tell you why. Honestly, I am a quiet, private person (as many of you know) and it is hard for me to throw my inner thoughts out there for all to see. However, I desire to share all that God has done and is doing to lead and get me to Uganda with all who care to know. Truly, I am excited about this giant new step of faith I am about to embarq on! I know that the Lord is bringing about something wonderful in Northern Uganda as the people are beginning to be restored and healed after the 20+ years of war they have endured. BUT today, as I was reading the blog of one of my teammates who is currently living in the house where I will be living in a few months, I saw something that "threw" me! Yes, it was a tarantula - in the house! Previously I had read about invasions of Geckos, mice, malaria infested mosquitoes, (of course) and even a poisonous snake. None of those would I enjoy having as house guests but still, I was relatively unmoved. Now enter the tarantula...I am well known for having arachnaphobia. So, I am thinking, "a tarantula, in the house, where I will be living, really Lord"??? Yes, I am still planning to go. I don't know what will happen if I come face to face with one of these since neither my dad or my current roommate/spider slayer will be with me. Thus my giant step of faith has just become a COLOSSUS step of faith!