Monday, June 16, 2014

Ready, set, UGANDA.

We start our adventure tomorrow. And we are ready to go.


I have the privilege of embarking on this journey with my best friend and soul sister Jenny. I think this picture speaks volumes about her: she is hilarious, full of life and ready to face anything that comes her way! The fact that I have her with me eases a lot of anxieties. It will be so beneficial to be able to have her to process with along the way.

We spent yesterday packing and organizing and repacking. How do you prepare for a trip to a place that is completely unknown and foreign? Luckily, we have a large team and are traveling with resident experts (we have five Ugandans on our team!)

Last week we had our last meeting to come together and prepare. We briefly went over our itinerary while we are there..and it already feels like it is going so fast! We arrive in Uganda Wednesday night, travel to the village of Bukigai on Thursday and will hopefully start construction on Friday! Most of our time during the following week will be spent with construction, a childrens art program and parenting workshops.

I ran into a man from my church yesterday at Nugget and he took the time to check in with me. He asked what I was most looking forward too. I would have to say the people and the culture! I am excited to experience new things and see how God is working amidst His sons and daughters in Uganda. I cannot wait to encounter God in a whole new way, especially due to my greater need for strength and guidance.

He also asked me if I was nervous for anything. The only thing I am truly worried about is the bugs. I was at my roommate's wedding this weekend and I now have 25 bug bites on my legs. Mosquitos love me, and I would hate to spend the whole time itching. I am also afraid of bugs....big bugs. They make my skin crawl just thinking about it.

This will be my last post for a while. I do not anticipate being able to post while I am uganda, but if I can, I will definitely take that opportunity to check in! Here are some prayer requests:

-my fear of bugs! and protection from the mosquitos
-depending on God for my strength and courage
-the chance to speak! May I be willing to be used by God in any way.
-selflessness: seek to serve those around me, especially my team!
-team unity and communication: always so important!

Thank you all for your continued prayer and support!!!

You are loved,
Liz

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

ONE MORE WEEK!

I cannot believe that a week from now I will be on my way to AFRICA. I have limited context to understand what I will be experiencing there. I am slightly nervous, but mostly REALLY excited.

A couple weeks ago we had a group training with all the mission teams from University Covenant Church. It was a great time of connecting and growing, learning about biblical conflict resolution, spiritual warfare and sharing our story. We had time to pray as a team and talk about the "rights" we were giving up as we go out on God's mission. It was a great day!

At the end, we were challenged to share our story in 30 seconds. As I was thinking about the reasons I was going on this trip, I was struck by how ready I was. And how unready I would have been only a year ago. A few years ago, my fear and doubts prevented me from even considering Africa as a destination. In the last year, I have grown so much. I have become more rooted in prayer and God's word, being able to recall scripture in times of need. I am learning how to choose trust over fear, and not dwell in those places of worry. Moreover, I am ready to preach God's word!! It wasn't until the past six months that God has put it on my heart to get up in front of people and talk about Him. While in Mexico for spring break, I gave my very first "talk" on community, and I really enjoyed it! Now I find myself going to Uganda, where I most likely will be doing some teaching, as well as sharing my story. While my experience is lacking, I trust that God will use me and my passion in any way that He can.

Lastly, my faith in God is stronger than ever. I trust him with everything, or at least to the best of my ability. I know that no matter what happens to me, God's plan and goodness will prevail. That is what I call putting my hope in Him. God's promise of hope is written throughout the bible. Here it is in Psalm 62 5-8:

Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
    my hope comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
    he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God[c];
    he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in him at all times, you people;
    pour out your hearts to him,
    for God is our refuge.

May you find your hope and refuge in Him!

You are loved.
Liz