So.
I am going to Kenya.
In two weeks.
Our pastor has always used the wise phrase "God doesn't move quickly, he moves all of a sudden." Which at first thought might make no sense. Yet time and time again, I look back on our lives and circumstances and realize how very true it is. This is an all of a sudden move, that has been in the works forever.
Our missions pastor encourages the congregation to have our passports ready because we will never know when we are called to go on a trip, and it would be such a loss to have something like documents keeping us from what God has planned for us. This spoke deeply to my heart and with prayer and expectation I renewed my passport. I had no idea what would be coming next.
For over ten years, it has been the desire of my heart to travel and serve the beautiful people of Africa.
I have loved the past decade of staying home, growing and caring for our babies, and stood in prayer and support as trips embarked, knowing that a season would come when I too could travel.
Joyfully, now is that season.
In two short weeks, this dream will come true in the most perfect of ways. I will be traveling with our church, to Kenya. We will be working with Pastor Garry and Brenda Kean and their ministry, Jacaranda Creations. Jacaranda works to empower women in the slums of Nairobi by teaching them to sew, encouraging creativity, and providing income, while building relationships and meeting physical and spiritual needs. The ministry currently serves over 80 women in 14 sewing centers in and around Nairobi. I could not imagine a more perfect ministry to come alongside and help.
I am halfway to my fundraising goal, and simply amazed at God's constant provision. Time and time again, when my logic and mind believe that things are impossible, that there isn't enough time, that I am unqualified and unprepared, I am reminded that He is the God of immeasurably more than we could ever ask or hope.
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21
I have updated the shop with a batch of new printables, and every dollar raised will go towards the trip. With each file you can print as many as you would like. They make great gifts, and can easily be resized to make into notecards and tags.
With each print purchase, you will get an entry into the raffle.
One print, one entry, five prints, five entries, one million prints one million entries...
I would be happy to paint a phrase of the winner's choice on the sign as well.
If you would prefer to donate directly to the trip, you can access my Managed Missions profile here.
More than anything, I would love your prayers. Prayers that I conquer, if not at least lessen my fear of flying, prayers for unity, preparation, financial provision for the team, safety, and sensitivity to the work that God has prepared for us.
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
1 Timothy 2:1-4
Thank you so much for being a part of this beautiful all of a sudden.
Posted in kenya, printable shop