I Have Never Been The Same...

Ever since June 20, 2008, when I stepped onto a plane to fly back to the US from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, I have never been the same.

What I experienced in that one week, was nothing short of life changing. Every day since then, I have felt a deep longing to return to Ethiopia. For what? I was not sure...until now.

God has brought me an amazing opportunity to go on a 2 week mission trip to both Ethiopia and Uganda this summer. When I first heard about the trip, it peaked my interest, but honestly, I had every excuse not to go.

What about work? Who will do Meron's hair? What about Tymm? Won't he need me home? How will they survive without me? How will I ever survive without them?

I still felt God pushing me, whispering "Go." Then I remembered my motto for 2010 "Be open!" Open to what? I don't know? But this was my first chance.

I am an event coordinator for Georgia Tech. I pretty much know my schedule for the entire year. I have a very heavy 2010 load. I pulled my schedule and every single week in 2010 I have multiple events EXCEPT for 2 weeks. Guess which 2 weeks....yep. The 2 that I could be in Africa following my heart's passion and my Father's call to feed, serve, love and minister to orphans.

So, that was the final nudge that I needed from God. I applied, barely made it on the team, but did!

It is official, in June 2010 I will be heading to Ethiopia & Uganda with Visiting Orphans, doing just that...visiting orphans.

My heart is pounding out of my chest and my eyes are stinging just thinking about it. I can't wait to see how God uses me, stretches me and brings me face to face with His beautiful children. I feel so incredibly honored that He would choose me to serve the children of Ethiopia & Uganda.

Please pray that our team will have unity and that our travels will be safe and we’ll remain healthy. Pray also that God will teach me more about Himself and especially pray that we’ll be able to communicate God’s love to the children we meet. Please pray that I will see the face of Jesus in every orphan I meet and I will be obedient to the call of Christ.

Last but not least, please pray that God will provide for us financially for this trip. I have full faith in Him that He will.