Saturday, May 9, 2009

Some Details!

Flight schedule:

June 2- Greensboro to Atlanta, 4:25 pm-5:51 pm
Atlanta to Johannesburg, 8:05 pm-5:10 pm (June 3)

Coming home:
August 5- Johannesburg to Atlanta, 9:05 pm-7:20 am (August 6)
Atlanta to Greensboro, 9:30 am-10:53 am

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While I am there, I will be working 10-13 hour shifts helping to care for the babies by feeding, bathing, and playing with them, doing laundry, and helping out in the kitchen.

From what I understand, I will be working mainly at the Berea Baptist Church where 12 babies are kept. There are 2 other baby houses around the area that I will be traveling to as well. Below is a picture of the Berea Baptist Church.


It will be winter while I am in Johannesburg. The winters there are very mild with highs in the mid-60s and lows in the upper-30s to lower 40s. So...it looks like I'm skipping summer. Those temperatures do not look bad at all compared to winters in Boone! Thank goodness!

I will keep you updated with details as I learn more!

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

God is faithful.

God never ceases to prove himself faithful. Throughout this whole process- the application, interview, decisions, and commitments- God has been whispering in my ear that he is a constant presence and a hand in every step and decision that is made. He goes above and beyond my expectations and needs. Here are just a few examples of how I have seen God's faithfulness:

  • My plans for this summer were to work at Discovery Quest, a church day camp, that I have worked at for the past three summers. I wanted to work full-time to save up money so I could do missions next summer. When I heard about the opportunity to go to South Africa to work at the Door of Hope orphanage, God began to ignite me with a passion to go and serve sooner than later. Every step of the process, I have had a peace that only God can provide.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

  • God has given me a huge group of people who are supporting me financially. Family and friends have rallied around me, providing for my financial needs. Once again, God took my worries and exceeded my expectations. To this date, I have received 126% of my needed funds! Of the needed $2,000, I have received $2,520! Thank you all so much for being a part of this incredible journey.
  • I not only have a team of people supporting me financially, but I have a team of people that are supporting me in prayer. I am a part of an amazing campus ministry at Appalachian State that believes fully in the power of prayer. They are committed to praying for all the students that are going out this summer to various places all over the United States and the world. I am truly blessed to be a part of this amazing college family. My family has also been praying. This is a huge stretch for us because we are so close and have never been this far apart for this period of time. I know it will be challenging, but I am so thankful for their prayers and support.
"The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." James 5:16b

I know throughout the summer, God will not only work in the lives of those in South Africa, but in my life and all who are involved in this journey with me.

"Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds. Your righteousness is like the mountains of God; your judgments are like the great deep; man and beast you save, O Lord. How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings." Psalm 36:5-7


I cannot say it enough: THANK YOU for all your support!!