Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Kenya [2 Weeks and Counting]

Man oh man, am I ever excited for this trip! Two - yes TWO - weeks from Friday I will be boarding a plane with an incredible team of servants to share the Gospel in Africa. Everyone keeps asking for an update, so thought I'd try to organize some thoughts and put them on here.

From a logistica/detail standpoint...
-Passport updated.
-Vaccines done.
-Time off work granted.
-Necessary clothing purchased (yes, I am now the proud owner of some kickin' ankle-length skirts).
-Travel gear acquired.
-For my team specifically, schools have been targeted and kids are being prayed for.
-Necessary supplies for in-country are being secured.

Relationally...
-The team is incredible! Our larger team is broken down into smaller ministry teams. The one I am part of, which gets the opportunity to work with 1500+ kids, is seriously wonderful. From the first time the 5 of us ladies met, it was clear God had ordained for us to be together. There is something special happening there, and we haven't even set foot on a plane. The hearts of those ladies blows me away and the love and eagerness felt is palpable. Hearing their testimonies and stories of how God called them on this trip brought me to tears multiple times and reminded me of the utter awesomeness of our God.
-Warfare is underway. Believe it or not, I am grateful. The enemy wouldn't be messing with us if there wasn't a reason to be doing so. The battle underway is a sign God is already working in our lives and the Kenyans and is preparing a way for His glory. That being said, there are real and legitimate anxieties amongst our team. We are encouraged and keep praying through.
-I have had some wonderful conversations with friends, coworkers, family, and strangers about our trip. The whys, the whos, the hows have given an opportunity for God to be talked about. I am grateful.
-Personally, prayer life is ramped up and thoughts/Scripture on orphans/widows is always on the forefront of my brain. It's definitely significant. I have a feeling that my understanding of adoption into His Kingdom by the blood of Jesus Christ is about to be blown away as I relation with these kids and widows.

Financially...
-My dad and I have had so many answer God's prompt to support us for this trip. We are incredibly grateful!!! BUT, we are still lacking the full funding. My dad is in need of $1500 and I need $450. We would love for you to join in prayer for His provision and to prayerfully consider helping us finish out our goal. We would love for you to be a part of what God is doing in Kenya!

Click here to support my dad:
https://my.12stone.com/mpp/mission_trip_giving.aspx?filter=campaign:140%7Cpledge:31460%7Camount:

Click here to support me:
https://my.12stone.com/mpp/mission_trip_giving.aspx?filter=campaign:140%7Cpledge:31456%7Camount:

We trust in God's timing, in His way. We are beyond excited for this opportunity and cannot wait to share the Gospel, follow the prompts of the Spirit, and love like crazy.

Thank you to so many for continually asking about such a large part of my life. Keep asking, keep seeking, keep growing.


3 comments:

  1. This is wonderful Erin! U going w yr church? Guessing 12 stone since I remember it from barranquilla trip a few yrs ago. R u doing an e3 expedition or is this sponsored by yr home church? Keep me updated...will b praying for safe travel,health,open hearts...I know u will b used,yr heart is soft.the group if gals sounds like a ministry team/ family already!

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    1. Hi Kathy! Yes, going with 12Stone - not e3 this time, but with Church Missions Network. Thank you for praying! So grateful to be surrounded by spiritual support. Any upcoming trips with e3 for you? I'm going to Tanzania in June - it's a medical trip! COME! :)

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  2. So, so excited for you Erin! To be able to go with your sweet dad makes it so special. Kate is going to be able to go to Guatemala with John in March, another special father/daughter duo :). I will be praying for you!

    Lindsay

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