Namibia 

    The rays of hot dry heat beat down, sweat pours down, but a smile shines bright upon my face. I am here standing with 50+ children praising The Lord! With songs being sung from 'praise ye the Lord' to the 'banana' song kids are screaming and jumping all around and laughter surrounds the church yard. Yet a message is being taught through all the hussle and bussle the story of Moses, and a play was to be performed. Those beautiful, wild crazy youngsters took an amazing story and were able to impact a whole congregation.  

    The exhilaration I felt from being with these wonderful kids for a week was amazing. Learning the names of most of the kids and just seeing the transformation of the children. At first they were kind of hesitant to us, I mean who are these white people they don't speak our language? But by the end of the week I felt so close to them! The growth of the week was not only understanding the story of Moses, and how God can you anyone in many great ways no matter where you come from. But it was also about the tremendous growth and movement in building and forming relationships with the children phenomenal! It lifted my spirit to unexplainable heights! The laughter and joy from a simple song about bananas and baby sharks, to games about gorillas and making your body into objects, to doing a drama about Moses allowed the kids to have a splendid time and for us to also have an amazing time with them! 

  Dancing up a storm to exhilarating music, while my nose is tickled by the sweet aroma of meat on the brie. While cattle, goats, chickens, horses surround me. And of course a gorgeous landscape! WELCOME TO NAMIBA!!! And an amazing farm! I never thought I would be here, but I am and wow! As I learn how to long arm with my wonderful (second host mom, my most mom best fried) smiles and laughter illuminates the air. Even though I was awful at it, with my two left feet. haha. There was so much joy in the moment the mistakes were covered by the jollity. As Emily, Lindsey, Chelsy, and I along with a couple of the children in our host gang climbed up a little rock formation I took in the breath taking site. When we reached the top we all stretched out and THE YES moment hit me 'I AM IN AFRICA!' How cool is this! God is such an artist! The view that was right in front of me was phenomenal and I got to share the moment with some amazing people! Then yes I got to shot a gun oh yeah in Africa! I mean just the joys that took place that day were amazing. The new people I got to meet, the new adventures, and the quality time I got to experience with my host family and others who are close to me. 

    Fear ran through my veins when I was faced with the task of teaching 300+ students life skills yep that's right. And Couseling some kids as well, but God showed up and showed off as always! When I walked onto the grounds of #Oan//ob I was super excited thinking I was going to teach cute little grade 1 children. Nope God had a different plan to stretch my strengths and it has worked! Being with the older kids has allowed me to get to know them better. To hear their struggles and teach them simple things that mean so much to them! And let them feel special! Just in two weeks time I have been able to create many relationships with my learners, now I am not saying I would not be able to do that with a grade one class but it is a different relationship. God is so great! I will always remember the laughter as I made a fool out of myself trying to dance in front of the class, or when they taught me namma words and I got to teach them new games. Or when they got to talk about all the different things they love to do and the affirmation I gave them they CAN do it! These kids are AMAZING! They give me strength to come to school and have a smile on my face the transformation from day one to now is awesome!!! 

    It has been amazing to see someone in the shops, in church, in town and you just know them from wherever and they know you somehow. You get to make that connection. It is not only reassurance but the relationship that was already made is the foundation and that is the super awesome part of it! It gives me chills when I am standing in line and a kid runs up hugs me and says hello Miss Anna. Oh man and if a youth says what's up to me, I feel fly haha just gained extra bonus points! It is all about relationships. The moments and the times we have here. 

Every meal I eat, coffee or tea I drink, snack I have, game I play, song I sing, class I teach, smile I share, hug I give, handshake I give all are forms of communication and relations. They are showing my desire to further the jesters. I want to know more about the people I strive I want the Lords work to be done here! And it is being done! He is awesome! Thank you Lord for allowing the team and I to share and serve in  your kingdom here in Rehoboth! You are AMAZING!!!!! 

    

Dear sweet Res, I will miss you

    Winding roads, luscious and green grass, trees and crisp air surround us as we travel to Black Mountain where my body feel exhausted by the work we would accomplish, but then be relished by the overwhelming love and connections I made with the people! 

    As we pulled up to this glorious site around us we began to unload the piled high cars and van. Moving lumber and groceries all around, making sure it was in place but also observing because we were not in charge this time. More like onlookers, listening to the interns and doing the given task. A new challenge but at the same time, it was good for the team! As we greeted the 35 from North Dakota that night, we headed back to the hogan and rested for our project the next day. 

    

    Mud massage and facial are suppose to relax you and make your skin smooth, or something if that matter. Well the team and I got free ones! Haha. For the next two days we remudded a traditional Navajo Adobe that Pastor Daniel has built in the churches vicinity. Along with the adobe there are two ovens that are traditionally used to make bread in, and a patio area that has a fire place and surrounding walls. I never knew that packed down mud in brick form placed together then covered and smoothed in the inside and outside with mud would hold so well, but it does! The joy of squishing the mud in between your toes, feeling the cool water against your hot feet was definitely an unforgettable experience. An art piece was finished July 23rd, but also a piece of tradition was restored. 

    A smile goes a long ways in this community and when a sweet lady by the name of Johanna pulled up to the hogan on Wednesday I knew it was going to be a great day! As we traveled to her house we met her dad John and her niece and nephew. SO PRECIOUS! The jobs were to clean out the storage shed, that was crammed full and completely unorganized but also to cover the massive roots in the front yard. As the day started we began to progress at a great place. With their cute white boxer Sebastion running around the yard like a maniac, and the niece and nephew being oh so precious we had a grand time! Though the shed was super dusty and we had to wear mask to dust it out, we had a blast rocking it out! Along with the shed the people doing the roots were working hard! Running back and fort with wheelbarrows piled high with dirt! Their endurance withheld the whole day through. But the amazing part of the day was sipping on the cool ice water that Johanna kidly gave to us. And just talking to her about her AMAZING ministries! Reaching out to 100+ children every summer, plus all the other ministries she is apart of filled my heart eiyh copious amounts of happiness. To see her loving father, John help us by telling us where things were to go in the shed. These things are imprinted on my mind and I will keep them there forever. 

    The sweet aroma of sugar and blueberries intoxicates my soul. Filling the air with comfort. But it is accompanied by the laughter of an amazing hilarious woman, Sammy. Such a doll this lady! As Emily, Lindsey and I went over to her house to visit her again. Earlier in the week, she opened her house to the team to see her weaving! But this day Emily and I were there to teach her how to make jam. Joys, fun filled times, as we stand around the boiling blue syrup. Then she pulls a fast one on us and makes a traditional dish, blue mush. It was such an honor! It was such a special time that I will never forget! That sweet woman, her laughter and smile fills me up with joy. 

   

     'Dig dig dig dig dig' as they would sing in Pocahontas. 'Working hard for the...' Oh the songs you can sing for our journeys and adventures. The day started and some were on an outhouse hole and others on what we thought was just to repair a fence. Sweat, blood and tears were put in that fence as we ended up taking nails out of boards, moving the chicken cope, taking down the standing fence and moving it and reattaching it. We were given a challenge and we did it! The hole was finished, the fence still needed worked, but EM is going to send a lovely team out there next week. These precious ladies who lived in the house invited us in for tea and cupcakes/cookies. Talking to them while enjoying the treats was so pleasent and nice of them. And then as a gift these precious ladies gave us some of the wonderful tea we had been enjoying! 

    As the final day at black mountain came around I could feel the physical pain in my body, but I knew that there was something amazing out there to be done. As the team and I headed out that day we had in mind that we only had a few hours, because we were to head back to the mission house. Down a dusty dirt road we approach a sweet lady's house that simply needed her sheep caroul finished. Her daughter kindly showed us the sheep caroul as we got out the car we heard a loud "bleah" ring out. It was the HUGE sheep! And of course for the remainder of the time that we worked there he kept on saying "bleah" not "baa" like a normal sheep. Hahah. Anyways, once we got the fences up and the ground leveled we saw that it had only taken about an 11/2! We traveled back to the house and sat down for some cool Popsicles and sodas that the daughter and given to us. As the conversation began another daughter came and we learned of her adventures. These are the moments that I enjoy the most is getting to know the people! Loving on them. As we drove away I knew that it was only a small sheep caroul that we fixed but we had made an impact. 

    The past week we have done a VBS in Shiprock that was so much fun! Even though it was 2 days getting to know the kids, teaching them, playing with them and even having a water balloon fight with them was a blast!! Also helping out Herman, the pastor, with task around the church was nice. Some of the team did an AWESOME job painting poles for his tent! While me and a couple others taught the kids. Combined together in the 2 days I felt like we made connections and it was as it has been so far very hard to say goodbye to the kids and the pastor. 

    As the team gears up today for tomorrow's journey to AFRICA!!! I reminisce about all that I have encountered over the past month on the Res. The unexpected first times like taking a shower under a well that pumped out water that was 102•. Or the bonding experiences with the people like making jam with Sammy. Having great time with the team as we venture through the ruins in Chaco canyon, or sitting down with Elaine drinking tea after fixing her fence. I can go on and on. The Res will be something I will always remember and will be dear to my heart! Singing the lovely hyms in Navajo on Sunday in Bisti with Rhonda and the congregation will resonate in my heart. I shall return to the Res, for it has a special place now. 

    

Rhonda's love

    Dust blowing in my face, sweat rolling down my back as I look at what lies before me. A majestic masterpiece, one that has not been touched by any excavators. It still stands there in natural beauty for people to visit, not an amusement park. The Navajo Indian Ruins, so much history lies in those dusty orange rocks. As we explore the beauty that lies in front of us, broken pottery is apparent to all of us. The vibrant colors still on the pieces and the intricate designs displayed for observers to admire at.  

    As we began to climb the sun scorched rocks, we came across a cool and dense cave. As I crawled through the slim entrance into the dark hub, I could see and feel the craftsmanship. The fingerprints from the inhabitants who once lived in the cave. I wondered how long it took them to build it, and how many lived there. I was just truly amazed. As we continued onwards higher to the top of the ruins Rhonda, a wonderful amazing Godly woman who I can not even just describe in this blog I could write so many blogs about her, (which I will speak about her later)! Showed us another "cave". 

    When I looked down all I saw was a little hole in the rocks, I did not believe there was a cave down there. Little did I know, of course I would try to question someone who lives on the Res and who was showing us all around the ruins. But me being an adventurer. I slithered my body down the tiny long drop, definitely longer than what I thought it was going to be. But once I got to the bottom I looked up into God's glory and was amazed. I felt so small and as I reached up to grab my camera all I could see was the blue sky and clouds and I thought. Some people's view of Christ is like that, so small. Just like a peephole a sliver, and they are ok with that. They have no idea how glorious he is. As I crawled through the chilly and dusty cave, I thought about how hard the journey is I got scraped up some, and was quite uncomfortable at times but then... I was awestruck by the vast opening at the end. There was a window, maybe once a door, that overlooked the whole land! That is how the view of Christ needs to be!!! Fully immersed in his love! Knowing all his goodness, not just 1 part because that is when confusion and doubt seep in. To see the bright blue sky and the fluffy white clouds, and to think that surrounding us were flat plains. Wow!!! GOD IS AWESOME!!!! 

   To know that he bestowed the knowledge upon the Navajo's so long ago, and that the land has be preserved for so long and that it has not been touched and is still sacred. The interesting this is that the Navajos will not go out there though, the traditional ones though. Because they think it is the place of the dead and if they go out there then it will bring sickness and cursing on the family. 

    The traditions that still lie with the people, are an inhibiting factor to what Rhonda and her husband Leroy have been working on out there. 8 years ago God called them back to the Res. Rhonda's father was a missionary out there, and she thought she would never go back. And Leroy had lived there when he was younger, he is full blooded Navajo, but had moved away and was raised away from the Res. But God called them to start a church and bring Christ to the people and not only that but to reach out! Bringing in teams to help the locals, with building projects and other needs, but in the same time getting to know the people. 

    In our time out there with this sweet and wonderful lady she taught us about the culture, some of the language, songs, and showed us around the Res, and opened up her church for us to stay in. Going to church and sitting down with the people was an AMAZING experience! To sing with them, in Navajo was AWSOME! To see the joy and the difference in the people we saw every time we were at the church. Just made me filled with true joy. And made it even harder to say goodbye. 

    God is doing some great things out there. He is working in so many lives! And I will pray for the ministry and Rhonda and Leroy and for all the people on the Res!! I hope that y'all do too!!! 

Marbles, marbles, marbles

    Think back to childhood, the games you played and then think about.... Marbles. Oh you know we all had them! Well I know I for sure had some. My brother and I loved them, we would race them, name them, bounce them (well try to), count them, trade them, and more. They were so much fun!!! 

    Here during training we have been not only learning about each other, about ourselves, theology, the countries we are going to, how to react there, the people we will work with, how to work with them, how to immerse with the people, butttt we have been playing different games to gain marbles. Whattt? I never thought I would play with them again.

    But the point about the marbles is not the actually games but it is the thought behind it, throughout the games there are opportunities to give or keep. Share your marbles or others to another, then the question arises why did someone get awarded for being selfish? How is that fair? Well the truth is it is not but life happens like that. I know I am a SUPER competitive person! And at first I began with a lot of marbles, I still have an ok amount but I have the urge to give to those who don't have a lot. 

    Time will tell who will have the most by the end of training and who will come on top, but I know for me a lesson has been relearned from childhood about giving and being selfless. 

A Mama's Love

    "Scoot, where are you? Scoot?" rings out through my house joy fills my heart! My dear mother is home! She is not only a mom, but a friend, someone to talk to. We have been through so much together more than any friend in my life. Through trials, fears, pain, joy, happiness, celebrations of love, you name it!! Back in 2008 at the MSC nursing program orientation one of the professors told the students (my mom included) that each one of them needed a mount dragon along the way. I remember that day, because mommy had asked me to come with her. That day then and there we established that we were each other's mount dragons. This was just the beginning of a bond that has lasted for so many years! 

     

    "Scoot!!! I got a song for you to sing!!! It is perfect for you!" my mother runs into my room holding her iPad playing one of the most beautiful songs 'blessings' by Laura Story. As I listened to the words I understood my mom's connection to the song. In our life my family has been blessed beyond measure. I was able to go to and graduate from a private Christian school, and so was my brother. I grew up with a house, food, clothes, I got a car of my own at 17. Even though my family and I have had WOW so many issues God has ALWAYS provided. I might not have been when I wanted it to be or how I wanted it to be. But it happened! He is an awesome God!!! I mean this trip could not have come into place with out him! 

'We pray for blessings 

We pray for peace

Comfort for family, protection while we sleep

We pray for healing, for prosperity

We pray for your mighty hand to ease our suffering

All the while, You hear each spoken need

Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things. 

'Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops,

What if Your healing comes through tears

What if a thousand sleepless nights 

Are what it takes to know You're near

What if trials of this life are your mercies in disguise.'  

-Blessings by Laura Story 

    My prayer to the Lord for years and years was to have a "perfect family" but I realized I had mine. My mother and I had a daddy who loved me for me and cared about me= MY HEAVENLY FATHER!!! He is my daddy I can run too! I do!! He accepts me into his loving arms, yet he also holds me to his word. I abided by his word and try to learn from him every day. 

    Mother, Mommy, Mama, Madre, Mom, and so on all these are names of my hero. The woman I look up to, who took time off from her career and schooling to take care of her children and become a full time mom. Who then went back to school and got her NURSING degree in 2010, and now is back to get her BSN! She is AMAZING!!!! But she is not alone! God is on her side, but so is her whittle mount dragon from 2008..... ME! I will never give up on this amazing women who has never given up on me! Who has prayed over me and blessed me so many times! She is my hero and I love her!!! 

                

He put a ring on it!!!

   Through out my life I have always dreamed of a tall, Christian, gentlemen, respectable, caring, kind, handsome, musical, older than me (haha) man. Yes my prince charming, I never thought this man would enter my life, I prayed to Christ for the right man, that I was not going to short term date anymore but I was going to wait for my future husband. And then on January 7, 2013 I walk into my speech class a there sitting on the second row was a handsome man who swoop me off my feet and made my heart race, yes love at first site guys I never believed in it before but I do now. Nervous as can be I sat beside him and all I wanted to do was talk to him, but it was not till the next class that I got to talk to him. That second class is when I found out his name, Matthew Spinks and that he was a Christian and worship leader. At that moment I was like seriously Lord is this happening to me, I just what?!? I did not think I would find my soul mate, I mean I knew God has someone out there but I had the fear I would settle and end up in a terrible marriage.

                                       I never thought that you would be the one to hold my heart 

                                                              But you came around and 

                                             you knocked me off the ground from the start

                                      You put your arms around me

                                               And I believe that it's easier for you to let me go

                                                     You put your arms around me and I'm home 

             

                                                                             - Arms by Christina Perri

  

 As we got to know each other I feel more in love with this amazing man, but my biggest fear was the fact I was about to go on a 6 month journey to Africa. And I was not going to change that for anyone,because I knew that is where God had placed me! But I really wanted to date him, it was a huge complex. Then on February 23, 2013 the magical journey began and there has not been any set backs. Even though he knew I was going to Africa he said he just knew and could not let me go. I could not let him go either. Our love grew and grew and then on June 15, 2013 he surprised me, which is really hard to do, and pulled out a beautiful ring and asked him to spend the rest of my life with him. Of course I said yes! Who would have thought taking that one speech class would change my future!  

   But this post is not just about my love life it is about the journey and commitment two people make while in this situation, I never thought I would be in this situation. I still remember watching The Other Side of Heaven as a child and seeing the missionary away from his love and seeing how hard it was. Now that is me. But the way I look at it, 6 months is not that long. Those are going to be the best 6 months, seriously, because I am going to be doing something I love. Caring a loving on people in need also learning about different cultures and actually living in them. I cannot fully prepare for what I am going to experience, but I just know I am excited! God has called me over to Africa and I cannot wait to see what he has in store for me!

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

• It is well, with my soul,
  It is well, it is well, with my soul. 

                            -It is Well by Horatio G. Spafford  

   There are times in our lives that seem that we are in the worst place ever, but there is always hope. In those times I either find a quiet place and breath,  go running, call a friend, or just journal. But this poem always comes to my mind. Growing up my family and I would go to my Nana and Paps's church a lot when we visited them and I remembered this hymn. I love this hymn and the story behind it. Horatio had lost everything, his son from the scarlet fever, then due to the Chicago fire all of his financials and then as his daughters and wife sailed over to Europe. There ship sank and he lost all four daughters, his wife survived. And as he waded over the ship wreck he began to write this beautiful and powerful hymn. His perseverance has always inspired me! As I go over to Africa there will be hardships and then there will be times of missing Matthew, but the Lord has so many plans for us! 

   

Sugar rush

       Okay think back to childhood when you would eat lots and lots of candy even though your parents would tell you not too, but you would do it anyway. And you would get this burst of energy and run around and around the house for about 10 mins then crash. I mean to you it felt like hours soaring in the air, feeling invincible, until the sugar kicked in and the tummy ache began yeah fun stuff. I mean I still do this same act today sometimes, but that is beside the point. What I am trying to get at is the moment of invincibility that one feels on that sugar kick that seems to last forever. Since November I have been running around like that little kid, working and working on raising the money. At times my sugar kick would wear off but I always found more candy and was rebooted. The last fall was the hardest, because I was the most recent. I checked my account and I was almost there, I had about $250 left to pay. The next day I saw that $200 was gone out of the mission account. As the days past and I was in that duel stage, I finally retrieved out more candy booted back up and realized ok I have 10 days to get the money, so I worked sold some stuff and got the money. I don't know if anyone followed that, but the point is I never gave up in the hard times even though there were difficult times I mean for a 20 year old unemployed to raise almost $10,000 in 5 months was a toil. In that time I kept up my grades and other parts of my life, I had rough patches but if I did not I would have been worried. I would not be prepared for whatever I am going to face on my journey.

Wait for the LORD; 

be strong, and let your heart take courage; 

wait for the Lord! 

Psalm 27:14 

    As I waited on the Lord and he spoke to me in many different ways, there were times I got mad and wanted to do things my own way. But others kept on reminding me 'Anna dear, patience it will pay off, everything happens for a reason.' There was a time I got tired of hearing that 'everything happens for a reason, because that is all I had been hearing since I was in 9th grade. But someone I love and dear to my heart, he reminded me that he just wanted to say it because it is true and I should be reminded of it. Because God has carried me this far, what else does he have in store for me! 

Dreams

"If this life is one act 

Why do we lay all these traps

We put them right in our path

When we just wanna be free 

I will not waste my days

Making up all kinds of ways

To worry about all the things

That will not happen to me." 

-Jason Mraz 

    For years upon years I placed things in front of my dreams, I would make up excuses and listen to the world. The fact that my dream is not going to bring in a lot of money, so I went with the doctor route. Then that was to hard for me so I drifted to nursing, since my mom and my grandmother were both nurses I already had a lot of that knowledge. But that did not settle with me either. After some other majors I settled on my final major, Non profit. I went so many days and nights. I wasted those times and hours in classes doing what I was not suppose to be doing. Finally I decided I was going to let go and fly free as a bird. I flew. Once I let go and let God in his arms open wide incased me in his loving arms. I am home. I am safe. Why have I left him for so long? He had always be there? I was free and now the hard road of my dream began. But God has provided SO much already. I am ALMOST done raising my money, I would not be here with out him, and the lovely people who have donated, prayed, and just been here by my side with me. 

"You can turn off the sun,

but I'm still gonna shine." 

-Jason Mraz 

   Everything seems dandy going great in life, got money, a good job, have stupendous grades in school all is right. Then BAM trajede interrupts your life, what are you going to do? My life has had a lot of those BAM moments but I have not stopped, I have just learned more and more from them. Lost support in my dream to go to Africa, twist and turns to getting there, and way before that in my life. But I have become more confident in myself and I lean on my powerful Savior in every situation. He is always there for me. He never leaves my side. So things can come, but I am still going to shine bright and not let them get me down. 

                    Do not let anyone or anything get you down in your life, be yourself. Follow your dreams and strive for your best. Get the negative thoughts out of your mind, and keep the positive pumping in your brain!

    

COME ONE COME ALL

'Hope is the thing with feathers

That perches in the soul, 

And sings the tune--without the words, 

And never stops at all, 

And sweetness in the gale is heard; 

And sore must be the storm

That could abash the little bird

That kept so many warm. 

I've heard it in the chillest land, 

And on the strangest sea; 

Yet, never, in extremity, 

It asked a crumb of me.' 

-Emily Dickinson  

HOPE is strong, loving, kind, helpful, and caring. Here in this poem Dickinson describes HOPE as one that gives, and is strong, able, stays with us all the time yet does not ask for anything in return. Today was a day my HOPE grew immensely. Today was my yard sale, yesterday we got a lot of rain and so worries ran through my veins. Anxiety eased through my pours as I waited for those to come. Some came, others not. I kept on praying and then this poem came to my mind. I love Emily Dickinson and this is a poem I have known for a while, and when I get down I simply recite the first stanza. And I am calmer but another thing is trusting in the Lord. 

Since December, when I began the journey of applying for this program I started to trust more and more. I knew that I was not going to be able to get to Africa with out his love and support. Along with think about this poem I recite one of my favorite bible verses, it is not much but the words are powerful to me. 

'Rejoice always; pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.' 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

When I read this verse years ago I just held onto it dear to my heart, because it is what I need to hear a lot of times. And when I hear it I feel a lot better. 

I know that I have hard times a head, but God has been blessing me so much. Like I said I had my Yard Sale today, and I had a great turn out and made good money! I was so thankful for Christ, which I am not ever not thankful! OUR GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD!!! and he is doing great and powerful things! 

Helping Hand

A wise woman, who had a signature look and who kept to herself and influenced people through her films and later through her relief work once stated:

"For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone. And remember, if you ever need a helping hand, it's at the end of your arm, as you get older, remember you have another hand: The first is to help yourself, the second is to help others."

The phenomenal woman in which these powerful words came from is the glamorous Audrey Hepburn. Most people know people know her from her movies such as Breakfast at Tiffany's, Roman Holiday, Love in the Afternoon, or Funny Face. These movies are some of my favorites, but I also love her for what she spoke. Just in this quote, one should follow and listen to the wisdom that is spoken in these lines above.

As I go on this journey I have to take these lessons along with me, I mean I follow them here in my life but faced with different people who I don't know in an unknown area might be harder in a way. One should prepare their mind, body, but mainly their heart for everything they face in life. Realizing you have a helping hand for not just those who are close to you, but to complete strangers. Not only are they strangers, but their are many obstacles to jump with them, such as a language barrier, culture, age, and many more. But with the love of Christ over you anything is possible. He is over you, watching over you in everything you do. Some verses I cling to in times of distress are:

'My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my savior; you save me from violence. I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praise, and I am saved from my enemies.' 2 Samuel 22:3-4
'Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.' Isaiah 41:10
'Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me.' Psalm 138:7
'The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.' Zephaniah 3:17

This is just one way I can stay close to the Lord, the main way I love to worship him is through song. I feel so close to him in those time. My soul overflows with his love and I fully surrender to his grace. Especially when I play and sing, that is my time with him my time to rejoice in him and to love on him. He is my Rock and I just want to celebrate him! Keeping to these truths- he has called me and equipped me to care for all, that he is going to protect me through it, and that I will rejoice him in it all. Are going to keep me going through these times!

It's a journey

It takes strength, endurance, and faith to continue through a journey. Some are joyous others are tiresome and then there are the treacherous ones. But in each one you will gain new skills and become a better person. I have had many journeys, trials, celebrations, and defeats. But in each one I have gained knowledge, endurance, hope, a caring heart, determination, and to never give up.
A new journey awaits me come July 6th I have been preparing since December, I am ready for this. I have been praying and becoming closer to God, leaning on him each and every day! I cannot wait to go on this journey. I know I am going to learn so much from this trip! Meet new people, experience new cultures, and help others. More is to come through these times, but through people's help and support I have gotten far but I still need more!
To donate online go to experiencemission.org sign in with ID: agai1000 PW: journey12 then hit on immersion participant and hit PAY NOY! Thank you very much! Every bit helps! Thank you again!

Outreach

Going out there to other parts of the nation and to other nations is an outreach. It is a ministry within it's on, reaching out to others in love and teaching them about their Savior. My time here in America and in Africa is one in which God placed on my heart a while ago. I can remember in 8th grade I was called to mission, I was finally able to go overseas in 2011 to Nicaragua. That was a life changing experience and so was going to Malawi this past summer. But also my heart has been moved by the many years of service in my own community. I have learned so much about the people and how just in Macon, Ga people are suffering. This is a picture that I painted for someone showing where I will be going from July 6-Dec 20!! Keep on praying guys! Thank you again!

A journey has many different steps and markers along the way. Sometimes it is not easy other times it is, but one needs to keep moving forward. In my journey to Africa I have had times that I literally thought it was all over, and did not think there would be a happy ending. But I kept on going, and going. I am almost there out of the $9,300 of the check off with Experience Missions I have $7,550. I have more to raise and after their check off is made I still have money to raise. I really need about $10,100 or so. But God has equipped me with so many different gifts to help me raise the money. Such as bracelets and paintings. My paintings have done quite well and it is something I enjoy. Also I have having a Yard Sale this weekend and there I will have not only bracelets and paintings but also baked goods. These three ways are easy ways for me to raise money. I am going to finish the race strong and mighty with God's strong hand. He has been here with me the whole time, and I thank him every day for all he has done! I have worshiped and praised him throughout the times, and he has comforted my soul. In Romans 12:12 it says "Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." This verse is reiterating what I have been talking about NOT GIVING UP! Everyone has the ability to keep going and moving on to their goal, just do not stop. Thank you again for all who have supported and those who are eaint

Intro

Hello all,

   So this is my blog that I am going to set up for my journey towards Africa in July! The sheer joy that runs through my veins bubbles out to others. I just cannot believe that God has provided such an amazing opportunity for me. To go, live with the people, learn their culture, do all they do, at the same time teach them about God and love on them. Help them better some of their customs. I cannot even fathom what I am going to see there! I want to thank those who have helped me finically along the way! It means so much to me! Either through just giving, buying either a painting or bracelet it is all worthwhile! Also for all those who have continued to pray and pray for me along this journey I could not have done it without you guys. My prayer warriors surrounding me and protecting me, y'all are amazing. This trip is not only going to be physically challenging but also mentally challenging. A huge culture shock. I have been to africa before, but I did not live like they live now I do. I eat their food, journey and get water with them, live in a 1 man tent, carry 4 pairs of clothes with me, it is going to be intense. But you know God is preparing me.
   Getting to this decision was a battle, I mean 6 months gone, from the US, with a backpack, and a group of strangers, going across Africa. I was a little scared at first. But God has eased my fears, and he is easing my fears about the money. For their check off I need $9,300 and right now I have $7,500. I need just a little bit more to get there! But then after that I need about another $1,500 for supplies and such. Their check off is due on June 6th. But I am soon going to have a yard sale, April 19th and 20th at my house. Full of all sorts of stuff! If anyone has something to donate to it, just let me know. If not everyone should head on out those two days!!! Also I am selling paintings and bracelets! I can paint about anything, my forte is abstract but I can mix together something basically anything you want. And the bracelets are just simple yarn ones that are a dollar. The paintings vary. Thank you again for everything and I will keep y'all updated!!!