I'm Here!!

After a short delay, I made it. But the perk of getting delayed was flying first class all the way here (fully reclining seats, tons of food, and excellent service) so I guess I can't complain too much.

Jet lag hasn't been too bad. I wasn't able to sleep at all from Atlanta to Amsterdam and slept 3 hours from Amsterdam. I woke up to babies crying and then got to love on and help feed them. So sweet. I'll post pictures later. We're off to some water falls this afternoon so I'm gonna run and eat some lunch.

Still in Nashville

Well, I'm still in Nashville. Delayed planes and mechanical problems casued me to miss my close connections. They offiered to put me on a flight out today that would have a 12 hour layover in Amsterdam and then another layover in Nairobi-but I opted not to take them up on that offer! So here I am for one more night. I will leave at 12:30 tomorrow!!

Just Some Pictures

I'm going to miss my sisters so much. I'm so amazed that I have two incredible people in my life that I not only get to call sister but best-friend. Love you both!

 

New Year's Eve Dinner with my Family

New Year's Day-my first time ever shooting a gun. So much fun!

The Countdown Begins!

Happy New Year!! And with the new year begins the countdown-17 days!! That's so crazy! When I first applied and started planning it seemed like it was so far away, but now it's almost here. Yikes! I'm trying to stay organized and keep crossing things off my to-do list. I will say that the pile of stuff to pack in the corner of my room is starting to grow. How will it all fit? It's hard to think of that I will need for 10 weeks. I am a huge overpacker, but my goal is to fit it all in one 50lb bag. Start wishing me luck with that now cause I'm gonna need it. Speaking of packing some people have asked if donations can be made or if Amani needs anything. I figured that this is the best way to get the word out there if you would like to contribute in any way. Here is a list of donations Amani is in need of:


Baby Formula
Baby Cereal
Board Books
Construction Paper
Towels and Washcloths
Plastic Toys (no batteries)
Eductional Toys
Children's Vitamins
2T Underwear for boys and girls
HP 6310 ink cartridges


If you would like to send a donation with me, please let me know. I would love to have everything by Jan. 16th so I can make sure it will all fit in my luggage. Well, I think that's about it for now-off to make more lists! haha!

Sitting in Kentucky

Gotta love wireless internet-allows me to update while I'm working in Kentucky! I feel like I've neglected my little blog lately, but there's really not much to update about in regards to Uganda. I have an appointment with the Vanderbilt Travel Clinic on Monday to get some shots. Yuck :( Other than that, I'm just getting more and more excited as Jan 19th gets closer. I've kinda started packing, but its mostly just a list in my head with some things in a bag.

It's going to be a busy, busy several weeks before I leave because my parents are moving here! YAY!! It will be so great to have them much closer instead of 1,400 miles away. Did I mention that I have the best family in the world? I love them and am so thankful for parents that support and encourage me; that send me half way around the world with their blessing and prayers. My siblings are the same. I'm a blessed girl! So between a busy work schedule, a trip to El Paso for the last time, helping my parents unpack, and Christmas-I'll be leaving before I know it.

Jinja or Bust!

It's really happening! I FINALLY booked my ticket this morning!!!. After much stress and deliberation-it is finished. January 19-March 24. A little shorter than originally planned, but that's ok. I can't believe its getting so close!

God Crazy

I'm reading a book titled God Crazy. It focuses on joyful surrender-something that does not come so easily to me. And as I sit here to write this, I'm beginning to connect some dots in what the Lord is trying to teach me. Galations 6:9 says "Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we ill reap if we do not grow weary." This was a verse from my Beth Moore study this week. Then I came across this quote from John Owen, "See in the meantime that your faith brings forth obedience, and God in due time will cause it to bring forth peace." What gets me is due time. What does that mean anyway? There's no ending in due time. There's nothing tangible about that. There's no answer to how long due time is. Frustrating, right? Well, it is to me. I like to plan. I like to know the answers. I like to know what the next step is. I don't like surprises. I don't like not knowing. Let's face it. I like to be in control.

So what does joyful surrender look like? What will it look like in my life? At this point, I'm not too sure. I just know it's where God is taking me. It will be a daily struggle. Something I'm not going to like. Something that is going to be hard.  But I have a feeling that reaping a harvest of surrender will produce so much more than what I could produce through my own limited capabilities. His ways are not my ways nor are His thoughs my thoughts. I have a feeling this is going to be an adventure.