The Final Count Down

With our new school year in Kenya starting up in Mid- August, I've moved my hopeful departure date up to mid-August! I find myself all over the place with everything I want/need to do before I go! People I want to see, places I want to go, books I need to read, skills I need to learn (stick shift), work that needs to be done, bills to be paid, speaking engagements, shopping, etc. It's a really strange thought to know that in a couple months, everything will be different. Then again, that is true for all of us, whether we plan and prepare for it, or whether it sneaks up on us...

Even though my list seems long, I believe that all God's asking me to do at this time is to simplify and focus on Him!

This Spring, my family and I went to Chicago as a mini-vacation and had a great time! It was my parents first time and a highlight for them was a large Italian import store called Eataly:)

I am waiting to hear back from my organization, but I believe I am in the 90's as far as my percent for fundraising is going!! God is so good and wild and amazing! Please continue to pray with me, I am unable to leave until I pay off the remainder of my $12,000 student loan. Jesus knows all about it and has a way, but keep your prayers coming- and THANK YOU for the support and for your encouragement! I have traveled and spoken at many churches and the acceptance, hospitality and love has been overwhelming. There are many I now consider like family because of our time together. Thank you, it means so much to me!

Next week, I'll be going back to Springfield, Missouri for a safety seminar. At our first seminar, we were taught that if you are a woman who feels threatened by a man, it's best to make yourself look as ugly as possible. How do you do that? By throwing up or peeing on yourself, of course. Things I never thought I'd want to learn. Looking forward to many more tips and strategies to staying safe!

This week I had the privilege of leading the missions portion of Vacation Bible School at my home church. I LOVED IT! Kids from 3 years old up to 5th grade learned about the S*mali people, listened to how they dressed, what they believe, how they eat and what sorts of activities they do. One of my most favorite parts was praying for any of the students who felt led to be a missionary and hearing them pray for the brothers and sisters hundreds of miles away. I think of the S*mali terrorist group and how their name literally translates into "the boys" (i.e. I'm hanging with the boys after school.) I think that if we can reach them at a young age, we can transform a nation. I am believing that our young peoples prayers were heard today :)

I've attached a couple news articles so you can see some ways to pray. These are truly intense times, but I believe God still has a plan and a desire for every S*mali to know Him! The attacks that took place on June 16th, 2014 (Attack near coastal resort) were targeting non-muslims. My prayer is that as we count the cost of following Him, we will ALWAYS consider Him worth it. 

Corruption and Terror
Attack near coastal resort

Kenya halts crack down on Somalis

For you, Oh Lord, are a shield about me, my glory and the One who lifts my head.

-Psalm 3:3

It's not too late to be a part of my support team! I am still praying for monthly donations or even a gift of any amount- everything helps! 

You can go to giving.ag.org  and use my account #2957769 to make a donation.

It's great to hear and see many of you! Looks like summer is off to a great start for many of us with bike rides, swimming, vacations, graduation parties, etc. Would LOVE to see you all in these next couple of months. I am praying for many who send requests so keep them coming!