Kenya: One Month Away

Lord willing, one month from today I will be in Nairobi. It's surreal to even write that sentence. How can I put to words the blender of emotions this reality brings...I am excited/terrified/anxious/assured...all at once. My thoughts range from  "omgosh do I want to go" to the increasingly present "I can't wait to be there"...How can I pin-point the emotions that arise at the anticipation of a 12 year old dream coming together... It's surreal and REAL. My to-do list is shrinking daily...the "planner" in me has even started to fill a bag and corner of my room with "things to pack".
I am still in awe of how the funds were raised (THANK YOU)...gratitude doesn't begin to describe the emotions around the generosity of so many in my life...last sunday I still needed $500...by today....and God opened the heart of a special family at church to complete my financial needs. I teared up as I read their note and the amount on the check. I was humbled by my doubt and by the greatness of sovereign provision. This is happening. This is one month away. This will and is changing me. My plan is to continue this blog while in Nairobi so stay tuned...

Kenya: 6 weeks and counting

I am blender of emotions this gorgeous, sunny, Seattle day. I am SO excited for the annual auction this Saturday for the school I work at, info here, and am blessed to be a part of a community that truly seeks to help others. I'm also vaguely excited for Kenya, vaguely because it still seem surreal--kind of like anticipating summer break in April. If things go according to plans (well, okay, my plans...) 6 weeks from today I will be in north carolina and then on my way to Nairobi! My immunizations appointment is scheduled, my to-do list is shrinking, as is the amount of money I have left to raise. I never expected to be so blessed or to have to step out in so much faith. I have to have all my funds raised before my tickets are purchased and the deadline is for a month before I leave...so, just around 10 days from now..and I still have $1500 left. I know I serve a big, generous, gracious, and providing Father who wills and works for his good pleasure. I am thankful for this opportunity to trust Him to provide in a very tangible way.
Would you join me in prayer? Prayer for patience, provision, and wisdom in this season of preparation and anticipation. Prayer for humility and prudence in me and those I will meet. This is also a shameless plug to ask you to consider financial involvement. Ten days and $1500 dollars is a leap but not out of reach. Thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and taking time to read. Hope you're able to enjoy a sunny spring day wherever you are!

Please send a message if you'd like to support me financially

A psalm of life- Longfellow

Found this poem by longfellow today and wanted to share it. He reiterates much of my thoughts from the last few weeks.

TELL me not, in mournful numbers,
Life is but an empty dream!—
For the soul is dead that slumbers,
And things are not what they seem.
Life is real! Life is earnest!
And the grave is not its goal;
Dust thou art, to dust returnest,
Was not spoken of the soul.
Not enjoyment, and not sorrow,
Is our destined end or way;
But to act, that each to-morrow
Find us farther than to-day.
Art is long, and Time is fleeting,
And our hearts, though stout and brave,
Still, like muffled drums, are beating
Funeral marches to the grave.
In the world's broad field of battle,
In the bivouac of Life,
Be not like dumb, driven cattle!
Be a hero in the strife!
Trust no Future, howe'er pleasant!
Let the dead Past bury its dead!
Act,—act in the living Present!
Heart within, and God o'erhead!
Lives of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime,
And, departing, leave behind us
Footprints on the sands of time;
Footprints, that perhaps another,
Sailing o'er life's solemn main,
A forlorn and shipwrecked brother,
Seeing, shall take heart again.
Let us, then, be up and doing,
With a heart for any fate;
Still achieving, still pursuing,
Learn to labor and to wait.