I am off tomorrow on my way to Ft. Lauderdale for 6 fabulous days with 3,000 of my closest friends, my mom, and one not-so-friendly gal named Paula. We're really hoping Paula will pass us by, but it's looking like we may be in for quite a stormy day in Key West on Friday. Paula is supposed to be coming ashore in Cozumel as we speak (midnightish on Tuesday), so we're also hoping there's not a lot of damage there, as we will be in Cozumel on Saturday. At this point we are praising God that the storm's path has changed, as we were predicted to cross directly through it on Friday night!
Announcement #1 - I did it! I can hardly believe it myself, but last night I submitted an application to go to Uganda next June with Kari Gibson and her team from Visiting Orphans. I am still in shock, and keep saying to the Mister, "I'm going to Uganda! Me! I am going! To UGANDA!" Can you believe it?! There is one slight little glitch, as the team filled up RIGHT BEFORE I submitted my application. What are the chances of that happening? But I am #1 on the waiting list, and 3 different people from the mission organization have assured me that someone always cancels. So....I guess we'll see. Kari says she completely believes God is going to send me to Uganda. Eeeeeeeeeeeekk!!
AND NOW......the moment you've all been waiting for! (cough) The Very Exciting Thing Kari told me about that I am so excited to now tell you....
I'm going to be a guest poster on Kari's blog tomorrow!!! (Wed)
And again I say - can you believe it?! Really? Me? A guest blogger? What in the world? I'm telling you, on the day someone asks ME to be a guest blogger, GOD is doing something!
So if you have a minute, I would so very, very honored if you would stop by My Crazy Adoption and visit me while I hang out at Kari's place (leave me a comment if you go, k?). Thanks so much, friends, you guys are the best!
God is awesome, girls, and I CAN'T WAIT to see what He is doing! Wahoo!!
Back in a week(ish)!
1 month ago
I found your blog through Kari's blog... I just wanted to wish you well on your June mission trip. I am a mother of 3 and took my first mission trip about 2 years ago and it has FOREVER changed my life. It may be tough dealing with all of the why can't you reach people in the United States questions, but remember that we are all different parts of the same body of Christ. We can't all be the eyes, who sit back and watch... and I just wanted to thank you for being brave enough to be Christ's feet, and arise and go!
ReplyDeleteWooo-Whoo! So excited for you. Can't wait to see how it all unfolds and the many, many ways God is sure to reveal His faithfulness!
ReplyDeleteOOOHHH MY GOODNESS! It is so beyond wonderful that you are going to Uganda this coming summer! Guess what??? I AM, TOO!!!! My best friend and i are planning to go on that trip together!!!! I really loved reading your guest blog post, and then coming over and doing some major stalking on your blog! I, too, have just finished reading Radical, and it ROCKS!!! It has changed my heart in so many ways, and I need to DO things with my life for the glory of God! I am also slightly obsessed with Kari. She answered the email of my best friend and I, and I may or may not have peed my pants a little. I can't tell you how happy I am that you are planning to go on this trip! I would love to talk to you any time, and I can't wait to meet you! Here is my email address (operarooster@rocketmail.com) if you would like to freak out with me about the awesomeness that is God stirring our hearts!
ReplyDeleteLove in Christ,
Allison F.
Valerie,
ReplyDeleteI am Kari G's BFF and went with her on MY first mission trip last July. Girl, you are going to be rocked to the core...fall in LOVE with these people, and you will NEVER, EVER, be the same.
God helped me through my fear and anxiety too. I am a major germ-ophobe and was so afraid I would get sick on this trip. I had been to Ethiopia before (adopting my kids), but didn't know anything about Ugandan cuisine. I was afraid I was going to have to live on the candy bars and turkey jerky I brought along. Mama Rebecca's (from Caanan Children's home) red beans and rice are to die for. I have been craving them for months!!! I never got sick, never was afraid - and my husband and I are now leading a trip back to Africa in August!
I am so proud of you for stepping out and signing up for this trip. Radical faith to go to Africa is only the beginning...I can't wait to see what happens in your life AFTER the trip!!
If you want to know more detail about our trip in July, you can stalk me on my blog. I wrote daily journals on our trip to Uganda and Ethiopia in July.
Thanks for sharing your story. And God bless you!!!!
~Randi