28 Hours of Travel

Welp, the journey has officially begun! Although...in my opinion, the journey truly began once I found out that I had received the, "Yes," on Uganda and God had begun the prep to get me ready. So, quite honestly, I'm glad I made it :) After 5.5 months of prep it feels pretty nice to be able to be at my destination.

Traveling was great! I had many words given to me that God would place people all along my trip to help & guide me. Sure enough He did! It was actually kind of fun to experience it.

For instance:

1: I traveled with a group of people my age the whole time!

2: I sat with a gentleman that shared his peanut butter cookies with me (my favorite)! And ended up moving to the seat in front of my so we both had 2 seats to ourselves.

3: In Belgium (where I was running late due to a my flight being delayed in Chicago) I was in an incredibly long security line. The security line next to me just "happen" to open up and I was the first in line & first of the group through security.

....there was a long ways to get to my next gate. So, as I followed the signs through halls, around corners, down stairs and more long hallways I walked into another big area where I was hoping my gate would be.

4: Right as I stepped foot in a man that worked at the airport was right there and asked which flight I was on. After telling telling him, he told me to get on the shuttle that was leaving in a few minutes. I had time to sit & relax and watch everyone else run, looked freaked out, and worry that we weren't going to make it.

Then...I made it to my gate and the flight was delayed...haha!

5: And to wrap up the God moments I got to sit by a girl my age on my flight to Entebbe (who I didn't get to talk to much due to language barrier), but we both relaxed, laughed, and watched movies. She was great!

6: I arrived at the airport, purchased my visa, was happy to see my luggage had made it, and sighed a sigh of relief because I did not have to go through customs!

So, I made it! I'm jet lagged, but happy to be here. Excited to get to know the Earwickers and serve along side of them. I'll post more later. In the mean time, thank you for praying, supporting, & encouraging. I appreciate it more than you know.

**Prayer Request**
Health - haven't felt the best today. And Virginia isn't feeling good.

BIG Blessings - WOAH

Now that you all know a brief outline to how God has directed me to Africa I figured I'd devote a blog post to a few BIG blessings God has poured out during the last 5ish months. Mostly, I'm writing this blog simply because I want to :)

Let's start in order...

Blessing #1
Through the journey of handing out support letters and talking to people about donations I've been amazed at the support that has come in.  Some completely unexpected support has come my way and to be quite honest it has completely shocked me. Being able to grow in relationships with certain people after having a set aside time to share our hearts with one another is indescribable. I'm a people person. I love people. So...this aspect of the trip has been such a fun trip to ride through.

Blessing #2

My mom is wonderful. She is someone that I don't have words to describe how much I love her. She has been my sounding board, encouragement, and point of growth.  Seeing her grow with me through this process has made my heart smile. I couldn't be more thankful to have a mom that fights for me, prays for me, and laughs with me. She alone has blessed me beyond measure!  When you read this mom, I want you to know how wise and beautiful I think you are. I am so grateful for you willingness to hear the Lord and to be a continual & constant vessel that pours into my life daily. I would not be the person I am now without you fighting for me. I love you so much!!

Blessing #3

My Jamie. My wonderful Jamie. She leaves me speechless. God brought her just at the right time. During the time that God began to stir a hunger to not live a life of mediocrity. Jamie, when you read this, I want you to know how special you are to me. You are my best friend, someone I know always has an open ear, and someone that I simply click with. I couldn't have asked for a better someone like you. I am so thankful for the time, energy, tears, and late nights you so gladly give & invest into this relationship. You are amazing.






Blessing #4

The Lord has so graciously & strategically placed a family in my life that quite frankly has been a direct blessing from God. I have been blessed with a Dad, teachers, supporters, listeners, "Teena" time, and a family that comes along side of my mom and covers me. I've had the privilege to go through the funny and sometimes slightly stretching growth that comes with having never had a dad around. Larry, you bless me. Thank you for your dad support. It means the world to me. I'm left in awe of God at how he has placed me on your heart and the willingness you've had to take me in as one of your own. Teena, Teena, Teena, you are incredible. Thank you for listening to me, dreaming with me, supporting dad growth, and being one of my best     friends/sister/step-momish people. I love you Hultmans!

Blessing #5
One last blessing was the chance I was given to go to Generation Unleashed. A youth conference that literally rocks your face off. I don't care if you are a youth pastor or jr. high student, God moves.  Pastor Danny and I both agreed it would be a good idea to get a deposit before I head over the Uganda. But, with fundraising and my job situation changing it was seemingly impossible. With one simple prayer and a willing heart of another, God totally provided. Let me just say I was left speechless and came back changed!!

And to all of you who have read this blog thus far. Thank you. I'm excited to begin giving the nitty gritty details as I start this wild and crazy adventure of mine.