As I anticipate going to Uganda next Monday, I find it hard to believe that I'll be walking down the dirt roads of Kampala in just eleven days. It hasn't quite hit me yet that this is really happening. And I'm not sure it's going to until I find myself breathing in African air. As hard as it is to believe I'm getting on a plane Monday to meet my teammates for this adventure, the reality is-it's happening! It's coming closer with each prayer, each support check, each tear shed in fear; and each email about flights, itineraries, and teammates. As of last week, I found out I will be spending my time in Kampala with Jessica Taylor, Dawn Morris, and Bridgett Brunea. I would love to fill you all in on the details of these girls, but I am just as clueless and curious as you are! For now, all I have are the names of these girls. However, I cannot wait to meet them. It's neat to see that there are other girls out there who have the same heart and passion for the children of Uganda. As I pray for Dwelling Places, there are three other girls out there praying the same prayers. Simply by the knowledge of their existence I find myself both encouraged and excited. My flights have all been booked, and support has been overwhelmingly provided. Last Tuesday I was $450 dollars away from my goal. As of last Thursday (two days later) I was $2,100 over budgeted for my trip. And money is continuing to come in and the people providing are aware my support has already been raised. I was moved to the point of tears in the affirmation of the Lord's plans for me. The excess money will go to support the girls on my team or other missionaries working with AIM. I'll begin packing this week, and I'm almost prepared to pull out the suitcase. Shopping for long skirts and dresses has been tiring! Being a shorts wearin' girl from Mississippi isn't quite going to work for the people of Uganda. My knees must be covered at all times. Otherwise the people may find it offensive. You know what they say- Modest is Hottest!
I am so grateful, humbled, and encouraged by those of you who have prayed for and supported me. With every prayer or support check my jaw seems to drop to the floor in amazement that anyone would pray or support measly ole me! Nevertheless, the Lord has proved Himself sovereign yet again. No matter how immature or unprepared I may be; the Lord has work He wants done in Africa, and He's going to do it. I feel as though I've found myself staring into the face of grace. I am overwhelmed with gratitude that the Lord has redeemed me and chosen me to carry out His work in Uganda. I am looking forward to all that the summer holds. I believe I will undergo heart aches, trials, joys, and some laughter along the way. And I believe and trust that I will be walking through each moment hand in hand with the Lord. Never will I be alone, and never will there be need to fear for perfect love casts out fear. What a joy it is to be in this perfect love.
I am not sure how often I'll be able to update this blog. I wanted to provide a way for those of you who have so kindly cared for me in preparation for my mission to stay somewhat updated on my progress. I must ask that you have patience with me as I will be learning so many things. You will get an earful of my sin, and maybe even some insight into my poor writing skills! I pray that as some of you may read this, you will join me in praying for these children. Pray for the softening of their hearts, and that they will be receptive to our new faces as we arrive in their homes. I certainly hope that with my pale skin and nearly white, blonde hair they will accept me for the way I am! I'll certainly look out of place, but I am hoping to fit right in.
For now, I am a little in shock that I begin packing to leave for this trip which I've prayed over for 9 months now. So here I go, and now it begins. I'm making the steps to pack up and leave all that is known to me. And I am finding myself eerily comfortable with that..
