Update, two week countdown:)

Hi,

I just wanted to give an update on how things are going two weeks before my trip.  This might get long, I am sorry about that, but I want everyone who is interested to be informed on how things are going:)  

First, thank you all for your prayers and financial support.  I have raised more than enough to cover the portion of the trip that I needed help with and I am so excited to be able to bring extra money to bless those who I will be visiting.  God is so so good!  He hears us and He answers prayers.  I never doubted that He would provide but I am still overwhelmed with emotion when I think about everyone who cares enough to help with this cause.  If you would be so kind to say a prayer for wisdom and guidance on how to spend the money you all have entrusted to me.  Much of the trip is unknown since it is my first, I am not sure how all of it will work out but I know God will guide me and I figure since He provided beyond my personal need, He knows where it needs to go and He will show me how to get it there.

On another note, I am staring to pack my suitcases and plan on taking two filled with supplies and stuff for the children and just a carry on for myself. If I can pull this off it will be nothing short of miraculous. Generally, two bags, over the maximum weight, still doesn’t seem like enough stuff for a 5 day trip:) Anyone know what I am talking about?  Haha, but seriously, I really am up for the challenge. There is an increasing large part of my heart that wants to live without any material items, or maybe just what I could carry on my back. How amazing it would be to live each day having to trust that God will provide my basic needs. Maybe, hopefully, in the near future, God will lead me to a living situation like that!  Anyways, this trip is not about my comfort, it is about glorifying God and loving on His children so I am happy to pack light.

Also, for those of you who don’t know, we have had some trip plans change pretty last minute.  I wish you could see my facial expressions how excited I am about this right now.  God is up to something and I can’t wait to see what it is!!  Originally, we were supposed to visits Uganda and then take a flight across Africa to Ghana but Autumn, our trip leader, was having real problems making the trip accommodations there.  Calls and emails were not being returned, prices were super high, and things just were not working out.  We all prayed and, a few weeks ago, decided to go to Uganda as planned and then Ethiopia, instead of Ghana.   Even though I am sad about skipping Ghana, God has opened up some amazing opportunities for us in Ethiopia.  Who can argue with Him?  He does know the past, present, and future and I am happy to be where He wants me to be:)

Here is a brief overview of where our team will be going and who we will be visiting.
Jinja, Uganda:
    Canaan Childrens Home
    Amazima Ministry
Kampala, Uganda:
    Sixty Feet- a prison for children:(
    Return Ministries

Fly to Addis Ababa July 20th
Korah, Ethiopia:
    Project 61 Ministries
    Restoration Orphanage
    Kebebe government run orphanage
    Fistula Hospital
    American World Adoption Transitional Home
Most of these places have websites so please feel free to look them up and see what they are all about. 

Thank you, thank you, thank you for taking an interest in this trip and the people God is allowing me to serve.  Please email me if you have any questions, comments or for any reasons at all.  I really like to hear feedback too.  I will post again soon:)
Love, 


Shelby