T-Minus 38 Days...

I’m leaving for Africa in 38 days. I am beyond excited. Indeed, ever since I left, I knew I’d go back. It’s strange that I have never felt that way before in any other country. When I spent months in Australia, I loved every minute… but when it was time to go home, I was ready. When I spent a summer in Venezuela, I cried buckets on the plane ride home, but I also didn’t feel compelled to return. In Uganda… when I was driving away towards the airport… I had a thought… I thought, ‘I’ll be back… I’ll hug these kids and I’ll dance with these women. I cannot stay silent about what I’ve seen… and I know that I must return.’

When I returned from Uganda, I joined staff with Fount of Mercy and have awaited the day when my schedule would allow me to return. Well… January 2011… here I come! It’s a different feeling this time around… less is unknown, less is unexpected… and this time I am traveling with my husband, my friends; rather than my high school students. I feel a freedom awaits me in this trip. I’m excited to travel alongside my family and friends and step into Africa with reckless abandon, expecting God to do miraculous things, yet again.

I think it will be a bit strange not to have Teddy, Jack, Kendal, and Julie beside me in Uganda. Those students made my first trip to Uganda magical. I loved their insight, their love for the children, and the way they so openly and honestly processed their journey with me. What an honor is was to serve alongside them.
I never thought I would have a “heart” for a specific people… I always thought I would go and serve and love and help… and then leave. But with the people in Uganda… it is much different for me. I cannot explain it, but I love them. I want to see them do well, succeed, rejoice… and I want to be a part of that journey.

And… the best part of this is… I get to! =)

If you’re interested in finding out about the non-profit I work for, go to www.fountofmercy.org to learn more.