Two days to go!

It feels like yesterday that I talked to my parents about beginning to pray for a mission's opportunity. In reality, that was almost a year ago. Knowing I had a few prayer warriors on my side, I begin looking at various options around Christmas time. Although I tangibly was narrowing it down, God already had a plan for me.

God continued to open many doors over the next few months. As I would become disheartened or nervous, He would show me that He was in control. This whole process has been truly humbling, and I haven't even left yet! I am both excited and nervous as I pack my last few things and run my last few errands. Since I've never really done this before, I have absolutely no expectations, good or bad. 

Since we are two days away, I ask for prayers for my team. I am truly blessed with a fabulous team (I can't wait to get to know them over the next several days). I ask for prayers for our safety, health and spirits. The two days of travel will be long but well worth it. We leave Nashville Friday and head to Chicago where we will meet up with 4 team members from Indiana. From there, we depart on our overnight flight to London!!! Can you tell I'm excited? We spend 12 hours in London together and then that night board our plane for the flight to Entebbe, Uganda. (9.5 hours!) We land in Entebbe Sunday morning where we will then travel to Kamapala, Uganda (where we will be staying). After we drop our bags, we will go ahead to the orphanage that afternoon. It is about 25 miles outside of the city (my understanding at least). 

The orphanage is called Blessed Hope Academy and was founded by Pastor Joel. It holds around 200 children from the ages of 6-18. The children live, eat, and go to school there. Pastor Joel is an amazing Christian man with a wonderful story and true faith in Jesus. (the story of the orphanage in post tomorrow) Unfortunately, money is always an issue in Uganda and the orphanage has about 60 beds for the 200 children. Here's where we get to come in! The organization I am traveling with is called Sweet Sleep: A Bed for Every Head. For the next five days, our team will be building new bunk beds with mosquito nets for all 200 children! In the afternoons, we will lead the kids in worship, recreation, crafts, and just building relationships with them. I can't wait!!

On Saturday, we will have a fun day, and I have opted to join the part of the team going white water rafting down the Nile River....I mean how many times in your life will you get to do that? (So yes prayers needed...haha) I am super excited about that! Unfortunately, my team will be leaving to return to the States on Sunday. Through much prayer and guidance from Sweet Sleep, I have decided to stay in Uganda until July 5th. As of now, I am not sure what that will look like. I will most likely spend some more time in Blessed Hope, but I may also travel to northern Uganda to work as well. Since most of you know I really appreciate a plan, this has been hard for me to swallow. I am trusting God to open the doors He wants and guide me where the need is!

Please check out Sweet Sleeps website to learn more about their amazing missions: http://www.sweetsleep.org/index.html