It's not up to me........and thats OK.

For the past two years I have been praying and very excited about going on this mission trip to Kenya.  I have felt the call to go and serve for years and every time I thought of it Africa seemed to be the place I landed on.  Well, circumstances / God's intervention made it where last summer I needed to post-pone the trip for a year and last week I got word that because of safety issues AIM (adventures in missions) needed to cancel the trip all together this year.  While I get that our safety is obviously very important, I can't say I wasn't bummed.  My friends and family, however, seem to be more relieved than bummed...I guess that's understandable...

I had to have a few heart to hearts with God and I'm learning, once again, that it's not up to me.  So I'd never put much though about where else I would ever want to go and serve.  If I'm being honest I never thought about anywhere but Africa, but that doesn't mean there aren't other places that I might be more useful.  I started researching other destinations and what all types of missions there were and one of the first ones I came across would be working at an orphanage helping to teach an English class and to help the children learn life skills.  I wanted to look at all of the other options, but this one kept creeping into my mind.  So I prayed about it, talked to my friends and family about it, and finally applied to see if I could even get in on the trip.  Well less than an hour after applying I got word that I was fully accepted!!  Can you guess where I'm going....

Yep, I'm headed to Romania June 7, 2014 - June 15, 2014.  And I think everyone is a little relieved that I won't be in such hostile territory....

 

It's a little bit of an adjustment mentally, but I am very excited that I still get to go and serve.  The type of missions I'll be doing is a perfect fit for me.  I love kids and I can't wait to go meet them!!  Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers!! 

Beyond Blessed by a Murder Mystery?!

As you all know, I'm going on a mission trip to Kenya Africa this coming July!! I had been trying to come up with a fun, unique way to help raise money for this trip.   One night I was having dinner with my parents, brother and sister-in-law when Jessica mentioned having a murder mystery party fundraiser!! I had never been to one before, but I'd seen pictures from ones my cousins had been to and always thought it seemed really fun!  Fortunately for me, Jessica had actually put one on before and she took the reigns.  She went all out and made this event amazing!!

We had a circus theme, fully equipped with peanuts and popcorn appetizers, a grown-up hotdog bar (that Jessica looked up unique hotdog ideas), and an ice cream bar for dessert!

 

I was truly blown away by the turn-out of such a great group of friends and family.  It was so fun to watch everyone let loose and fully embrace their characters.  I might add that our church may never be the same after this :)

Everyone was having a good time, hanging out and getting to know each a little better.....when the lights went out and........

That's right, I was murdered!!!

Now, to figure out who-done-it!

After everyone had spoken to the security and placed all the clues together...

We (well actually only 3 people guessed it correctly) figured out it was Ruby the clown!! I was wary of clowns before this party...but now!!

NEVER TRUST A SNEAKY CLOWN!!

Over all it was great time and I am so overwhelmed by the support and generosity of my friends and family.  Thank you to everyone who came out and played with us.  This mission trip is something that God placed on my heart many years ago and to finally have the opportunity to go and serve is such a blessing.  It would not be possible without the love and support from everyone!  I cannot thank you each enough for helping make this opportunity become a reality.

Big thank you to Jessica, Andrew, Mom and Dad for everything you guys did to make this evening possible!

New Plans

Well, there has been a slight change in plans....I am having to hold off on the marathon run for a little while, BUT it is for good reason! This coming July I have officially been accepted to an organization and will be traveling to AFRICA for a 9 day mission trip in Kenya!!

This is something that I have been wanting to do for a few years now, but I was a little nervous at the thought of traveling there alone plus the timing was never right. But when this opportunity came for a trip in July 2013 everything seemed perfect.  I will have earned my vacation time at my new job.  It gives me a year to prepare for everything. And as for traveling alone, I picked up my entire life and moved to a city where I know absolutely no one and I'm doing alright, so I think I can handle 9 days in another foreign place.

The organization I'll be helping is called Adventures in Missions. (AIM) I don't have a lot of the details on what exactly I'll be doing there as of yet, but Kenya has been in a lot of turmoil lately and there are a lot of "camps" that have been established for those affected by it all.  I will actually be living in one of these camps and helping out where ever I can. 

"Beautiful Massai tribes and breath-taking big game demand exploration. With a population of nearly 32 million people, Kenya is wrapped in a history of culture deeply enveloped in tradition and honor. But poverty and corruption plague the people of Kenya. Kenyans have always struggled for independence with constant attacks and turmoil. Civil unrest following the 2007 elections tore the country apart, displacing thousands to refugee camps." AIM

I will keep you updated as I found out information, but for now Prayers will be greatly, greatly appreciated!

"God's call to each individual is unique and specific to them. He uses their upbringing, surrounding environment, and experiences and couples them with his vision, goals and desires, to shape them into a unique tool for His hands to mold and guide and use" (Ephesians 2:10).