"I need Africa more than Africa needs me"

"It's hard to reconcile the challenges many Africans face, with the joy I see in the people. The images I saw only showed Misery. I bought into the lie that circumstance defines happiness. In a place where despair should thrive, I found people dancing and singing. Relationships and faith provide joy. My new reality... My joy should have no regard for my circumstances. I want what I have learned to trickle down from my head into my heart. Africa does need our efforts and support. But for me... I need Africa more than Africa needs me." -Mocha Club

Sorry it has taken me so long to give you an update on my mission’s journey! It has been a crazy few months. Mainly just trying to heal, trying to let go of the hurt and confusion. Mainly trying to be there and help my sister. This has truly been the HARDEST trial we have ever faced and pray to God, will ever have to face. I know there is a plan and a time for everything under Heaven, just hard to see that through such tragedy. But in the meantime…

Still keeping my eyes on Africa! A few of my AYC family members are headed back onto the mission’s field! How I wish I could go… but I know I’m holding back for a bigger purpose for myself. I would love to go on the Kenya trip. In fact I had every bit planned on it, even started fundraising for it. But turns out the Lord had bigger plans for me. I didn’t feel the drive for it like I had felt for Tanzania.  Yah, I wanted to go, but I didn’t have that drive to fundraise, to prepare for it. So I started praying and asked “OK, God. What’s going on? I left my heart over there. Why am I not driven to go back?” Not that he talked back in an audible voice but I just felt that peace in my spirit that I needed to wait. “Wait and save your money. Prepare yourself for what I have in store for you. Completely put your life in my hands. Prepare yourself and be ready for what’s ahead.”  It’s almost like it was on repeat in my head. So why not trust God? It’s all worked out in the past when I did. So… I put it in his hands. Again. And here I am, more than ready to be back in Africa to start my ministry. But not quite ready.

I feel like every day has been a preparation for 2014. Every church service, every person I come in contact with, and every trial I face. These things are preparing me for my 2 month journey in Togo and Benin, West Africa. I can’t hardly wait to return to Africa! But that’s a given ;) I’ve had countless dog sitting jobs and even horse sitting jobs. It’s been fun. Stressful at times, but it will all be worth it.

I promise to keep you more up to date on my mission’s journey! Keep checkin’ J