Today is the day.  My bags are packed.  My to-do list is about as caught up as it is going to get for now.  I’ve given lots of hugs and kisses to Jeremy and the kids.  In just a few short hours I will be heading to the airport to board the plane for South Africa.  As you will soon see below, I have some ties to South Africa.  My mom’s parents were missionaries there for 17 years.  As a result, my mom and her two brothers were born there.  Her first trip to the United States was when she was 3…by ship…took 2 weeks.  Can you imagine?  I’m dreading a 16 hour flight, yet they had to endure a 2 week ship ride on rough seas.  Perspective…

Well, as a young girl, I dreamt of going there.  I wanted to see the animals, the people and gain an understanding of what life was like for my family.  This childhood dream was one that I questioned about coming true.  Coming from a small hometown and being a part of athletics from middle school through my college years, I didn’t have many opportunities to participate in a missions trip like this.  Nor did I think that I had the determination to follow through with my dream.  It is so easy to be comfortable right where you are at.  It is easy to believe that others can reach out to a world that needs love, compassion…hope.  I’ve been convicted of this lately.  Jeremy and I have had numerous conversations about this.  We want to step out and help others who can’t help themselves.  We want to give of ourselves.  We want to be an example to our children.  We want to transform our mindset from what we want/need to what others need.  I’m not gonna lie…it’s hard.  There were many times as I was planning for this trip when I thought it would be so much easier to just stay home.  We could enjoy a week together as a family, get things done, be in our comfort zones.  But, then I realized that’s all the more reason to go.  I’m ready for God to use me in a way that he sees fit.

Below are just a few photos of my grandparents, my mom and uncles during their time in South Africa.  They spent most of their time in Swaziland.  We will be just north of there in the Limpopo Province.  I’m amazed at these pictures…they tell so many stories.  I hope that I will be able to capture moments that I can share with you.       

I have been overwhelmed with gratitude for the many texts, phone calls, emails, Facebook messages that I have received over the past 24 hours.  They bring tears to my eyes knowing that I have support and prayers coming my way from so many.  If you know me, then you know I can be an anxious one and I am thankful to say that my heart is ready to reach out to a place that needs the heart of Jesus.  Please keep the prayers coming…they mean more than you know. 

If you want to learn a bit more about Horizon International, click on the image below.  The video gives a solid glimpse of whey we are called to go.  Thanks again for supporting me during this time…can’t wait to share my journey with you.

Obviously, I will be delayed in responding back to emails, phone calls, and orders.  Thank you for your patience. 🙂