beautifully ruined...

so I'm back from Africa...and I have been beautifully ruined. It changed my life. The song "I Saw What I Saw" by Sara Groves describes my experience perfectly. It says...

I saw what I saw and I can't forget it
I heard what I heard and I can't go back
I know what I know and I can't deny it

Something on the road
Cut me to the soul

Your pain has changed me
Your dream inspires
Your face a memory
Your hope a fire
Your courage asks me what I'm afraid of
And what I know of love

We've done what we've done and we can't erase it
We are what we are and it's more than enough
We have what we have but it's no substitution

Your pain has changed me
Your dream inspires
Your face a memory
Your hope a fire
Your courage asks me what I'm made of
And what I know of love

Something on the road
Cut me to the soul

I say what I say with no hesitation
I have what I have and I'm giving it up
I do what I do with deep conviction

Something on the road, cut me to the soul

Your pain has changed me
Ooohhh...
Your dreams inspire
Ooohhh...
Your face a memory
Ooohhh...
Your hope a fire
Ooohhh...

Your pain has changed me
Your dream inspires
Your face a memory
Your hope a fire
Your courage asks me what I am afraid of
Your courage asks me what I am made of
Your courage asks me what I am afraid of
And what I know of God,
And what I know of God.

That place and those people changed my life. I miss them already. I'll blog more about it later...but for now, here's a picture of me and my little friend Zuruta :)

here we go

It's here!!!!! I leave for Uganda tomorrow afternoon. (and because of last minute packing, I won't be able to blog tomorrow, so I'm doing it now) SO SO SO crazy. I can't believe it's here already. I'm super sad about leaving my staff behind. I'm going to miss my family for sure. But, I get this amazing opportunity to travel to Africa and share Christ's love. And for that, I can't wait. I'm so excited. My team of 10 beautiful women will be working in a children's home for three weeks. We'll also be doing some VBS (stories, games, music, and crafts) stuff in the community and possibly in some of the surrounding villages. Your prayers would be much appreciated. Please pray that we would completely empty ourselves and allow God to fill us while we are there. Pray that our team would be unified. Pray for protection and health. Pray that we would recognize opportunities and take them to show God's love to others. And pray that Christ would be glorified in everything that we do. I am so grateful for all of the people who have supported me financially. And I am overwhelmed with thankfulness for all of the people that I know are praying for me and my team.

I can't fully grasp the fact that within 24 hours, I'll be on a plane, flying to Africa. But, it's true. It's here!!!!

I'll be back in three weeks :)

P.S. Our team leader, Eydie, will be posting updates on our trip.(about every three days). You can find them here:

http://calbaptist.edu/spiritual-life/international-service-projects/intservproj.aspx

then click on the Uganda: Children tab.