Excitement Starts to Build!

When we first committed to the journey to Africa I was the only one that needed to get a passport.  Ally and Ashley have both traveled out of the country but this will be my first time! 

I thought getting a passport was a rather easy process.  You know, produce the materials needed and you get a passport.  My first problem was my birth certificate was not an original one so I had to trek over to Danville to get another birth certificate. 

I arrived in Danville but at the wrong building and carrying my cell phone, which is a huge no-no in the courthouse.   I finally found the correct building and was able to get the birth certificate.  So, I am now the proud owner of a passport and I can officially leave the country!

It doesn’t seem real that in just 58 days I will be in Africa serving others.  God started preparing my heart months ago for this trip.  One day this summer, I was riding on the lawn mower and listening to my music.  A song by Josh Wilson came on, “Do You Want to Know.”  I have heard that song a hundred times but I really listened to it this summer.  Here is just part of the song…

         “If you want a heart of sympathy then pray to God to help you, please, see the world that Jesus sees.  But be careful what you ask Him for cause if you’re gonna open up that door there’s no going back to before.  Cause once you see a mother who can’t feed the baby that cries in her arms-your heart will break and you’ll lay awake.  No, sleep won’t come quick anymore.  So, do you want to know?”

Wow, that is exactly what is going to happen to me in Africa.  I am going to see things that will shock me, faces that will haunt me at night, and eyes that will tug at my heart forever!  There might be nights that I won’t be able to sleep but that is okay!  I am ready for the challenge that God has put before me! 

58 days seems like a lifetime right now but I am sure it will be here fast!  Today, Ally and I hit Wal-Mart looking for cheap dresses to take with us.  We also hit the mall looking for shoes and other good deals.  Next week, Scott and I will be heading to church with Ally at Mt. Pulaski to support the Mott/Wakeman team bake sale and help the rest of the team get funded for the trip. 

Blessings to all of you!

Here is the link to the rest of the lyrics: http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/joshwilson/doyouwanttoknow.html