AFRICA BOUND

About 2 years after Christopher returned from Africa, we have been given the opportunity to travel back together. We are BEYOND excited for this chance to go and serve in this capacity, and somewhat nervous too. Actually, I think I am the only one who is nervous since Chris has been there before and knows a little of what to expect. I am looking forward to what God will teach me through my time away and trying to keep my expectations low since I have been told over and over again that our plans will be thrown out the window once we arrive. Probably a good lesson to learn in itself. We leave in just over 9 weeks from today, WOW!! My mom will be coming to stay with our boys for the 2 weeks we are gone. I have never been away from them for longer than 2 days and I know as the trip gets closer, I will become nervous to leave... But I can't think about that yet :) Just another way to lean on God and learn to trust Him. Excited for the process that gets us to Africa!

A Bit of our Letter we mailed out:

In July of 2008, my heart was forever changed as I spent 10 days in Malawi, Africa. The trip involved visiting the village of

Chikudzulire that our church, Mission Community, has adopted in partnership with the organization Somebody Cares. The

Village of about 900 people consists mostly of young children left orphaned due to the AIDS pandemic. I went with a

desire to love and serve the people of Africa while beginning construction on a new feeding/community center. However, I

left with a stronger faith in God and a deeper understanding of trusting Him. I witnessed those around me truly trusting

God to provide their next drink and their next meal. Trusting in His promises and the Salvation He brings. Living for and

being thankful in each new day. God began to work in me and reveal the things I let worry, distract, and simply come

before trusting in Him. I left with a refreshed perspective, thankful for what God had shown me and what he had begun to

change in me. Through my experience, God deepened my relationship with him and gave me such a passion to love and

serve the people of Africa.

Recently, Fallon and I were presented with the opportunity to travel back to Chikudzulire together with about 6 others from

our Church. This trip involves spending time with the youth of the village, offering practical training on ways to earn and

maintain livings, bringing hope to those who may have little and healing to those who are wounded. Additionally, we will be

traveling with two pastors from our church who are going to help train some of the pastors in the area and help equip the

youth for leading the next generation in a positive direction. Most importantly, we will get to show the amazing love of

Jesus to some of the most hurting and impoverished people on the planet. We are both excited to be able to go and serve

in this capacity, and even more excited about what God will do in us while we are there.

Our team is scheduled to depart on October 15th and return the 30th. Each individual team member will need

approximately $3000 to fully fund this trip, which means we need to raise $6000. Any funds that are donated will directly

help us cover the cost of airfare, food, lodging, local transportation and supplies to aid the children of the village we will be

visiting. We ask that you would consider offering a financial gift and participate in what God is doing through this time in

Africa. Equally important is your prayer support for our safety on the trip, the strength of the team, and the hearts of the

people of Malawi. We also ask for prayer for Gods protection over our children. While it will be difficult to be away from

them, we trust that what God will be doing in and through us during this time will be a blessing in our family.

“He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with you God.” Micah 6:8