From the "sticks" of the Ozarks to the children of Uganda!

It occurred to me tonight that to tell the story of my up coming journey to Uganda, I would need to include a larger picture of my life, if I had any hope of helping others understand why this is so important to me. I am asked quite often "why Africa?" "Why go there to help children when there is such a need here?" The answer to this lies in a few life altering moments of my life. Moments of clarity that stand out to me in ways others do not. So we begin as near the beginning as I can remember.

Some of my very first memories revolve around my tiny world of home, school and church in the beautiful Ozark mountains.

View of Silver Dollar City in Branson Mo.

It was a Beautiful place to grow up. We had plenty of space, explored the woods, ate plenty of good ol' home cookin and generally enjoyed our simple life most of the time. Basically, we were just out in the sticks with very little knowledge of the rest of the world. People laugh when I tell them I came from "white-ville" but it's true!

sensuous 2010 for Spokane Mo where I went to church/school
(White alone - 174 (98.3%)
Two or more races - 2 (1.1%)
Hispanic - 1 (0.6%)

In those pre-internet days my only "real" window into the world were the missionaries who came to our church. Through their photos I was able to see people and places that I would not have been able to other wise.This was Always my very favorite thing about going to church. Seeing Gods creation, the people He loves, not just around me but from all over the world.

I distinctly remember making a connection to these people and cultures simply through the photos that were shared with us. I hear different pastors talking about how they would tell God "ok I'll go but please don't send me to Africa/China/Russia(or where ever the inevitably ended up going)" and then thinking "why on earth would you NOT want to go there?!" A Great love of people and a deep need to change the world began growing and really hasn't stopped.

There have been times when I thought the door was being opened for me to finally love on others outside our country but had those doors shut for various reasons. Those times have been some of the most trying in my life. I know now that it simply wasn't time yet. God still wanted me to grow in other areas first. In fact, there is still much work to be done before I go in December. It worries me a bit that the door will again slam in my face and I will have to wait longer. I am thankful for those in my life who are giving me the strength to have faith that it will happen. I feel as though I am already in love with the children we'll be working with in Uganda, and I know it will be an experience that will change not only my life but one life at a time, it can change the world!

And YOU have an opportunity to be a part of that change! Will you pray about partnering with me in making this dream a reality? First and foremost, we need and covet your prayers. We are heading into an area where witch craft is prevalent and we need prayers for spiritual protection! Please pray for our physical and spiritual health, safe travels and for the hearts of the people in Uganda that we will meet. Secondly, will you pray about partnering with me financially? The cost of this trip is roughly $2800. I say roughly because it depends on the price of airfare. Tickets to Uganda can be anywhere from $1200 to $1800. The rest of the money raised goes to living expenses and project expenses while there. Any money raised above $2800, or whatever the end cost is, will go towards projects that we will be completing while we are there. Financial support can be mailed back to me in the self-addressed stamped envelope or by going online. Checks should be made out to Bridgeway Christian Church in order for donation to be tax deductible. Write my name in the memo line. Here is the link to the online form. Select my name in the drop down box for the team members. http://tiny.cc/yaaka If you would like to be included in updates please keep an eye on my Blog where I will post as often as possible.
Webale nnyo (which means "thank you very much" in Luganda, the language they speak in the part of Uganda where we will be going) for prayerfully considering supporting me! Feel free to contact me with any questions!