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!!!