Yes, those words above are the words of a woman that loves America and desires to stay on the soil that we so often call the land of the free and the home of the brave. But on December 29, 2009, I will head to the airport and enter into a land that I know nothing about all because...
God moved my heart into action.
For several years now I have watched close friends go on international mission trips. I’ve often thought, “I have no desire to do that, why would I want to serve on another continent when I have plenty of youngins' to care for in Thompson Station, Tennessee?" One does not have to go to the other side of the world to "minister."
I admitted to my peers that my preference is to serve in a clean preschool building where I have an abundance of Goldfish crackers and baby wipes...
I don’t do third world countries.
Here's a little tip:
Never tell God that you're not a third world country kinda girl.
The Lord began to change my heart over this past year when I began reading about Katie Davis, a 20 year old girl from Brentwood, Tennessee, who has given up earthly treasures to follow God in obedience. Her story (kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com) has moved and inspired me to go on mission to...
Uganda & Ethiopia
(at this point in this post, I know that I have some close friends who are snickering)
I know what y'all are thinking...I can't eat out at Shogun's without giving a complicated order and asking them to identify & explain the vegetables that will be used in our meal. How will I make it in Africa? I ask myself that same question everyday.
So this is where my "Big Nanny goes to Africa" story begins. I hope you'll pray for me and follow along as I prepare to go on my very first mission trip. Oh, but wait, there's more...I'm not going alone. Soon you will find out who is crazy enough to travel with me to Africa?
Longing to be crazy for Jesus, (if you have not read Boomama's post about super spiritual closings, click here & laugh)
13 comments:
I will admit. My first reaction was "she better pack her own butter packs!" Then I thought "Dec. 29? But who am I going to play Rock Band with on New Year's Eve?!?!?!" Then I thought "I'm jealous. I wish I could go with her."
So, see there. I know God can do miraculous wonders in anyone's heart. : ) I am so, so, so proud of you!! Look our world. Big Nanny's on a mission and Africa will never be the same.
I will also say that I am extremely jealous and pray someday my life will be at a point that I can go on a mission trip. SO great! Just think, maybe your taste for new cuisine will change and you and Robyn will be trying to make us all eat brussle sprouts!! :) I know it will be life changing and I will be praying for you.
I too am a little jealous, in that you have that taste of "first love." I remember so well when God told me to go to Thailand and the whole time I was preparing I thought it was crazy and absurd, but oh how my life was was changed! I heard it over and over again, but until you experience it for yourself you can never understand it.
Go, my sweet sister, without hesitation, knowing you are in HIS Hands...
O:)
Melissa
You know I will be praying. Those sweet kiddos will never have been loved so well or the hands so sanitized. But, Big Nanny, do me a favor. PLEASE don't eat the African hotdogs...trust me, I hear lots of reports from my Dad who works in Africa.
I wonder how far those Koegal ice packs will travel...
So that is where "the hat" is headed! Awesome. I can't wait to hear about your journey and the amazing things God does through Big Nanny in Africa.
I must say that I was alittle jealous to learn that you were going without me ... however, someone has to stay here and hold down the fort and I'm glad you trust me to do that:) I am so excited for yall (those to remain nameless at this point)!!! God is going to do amazing work through you! Praying for yall daily!!
-Big Nanny's Assistant :)
Well, I may not get to go this year in body, but I will in heart and prayer. I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOU!
I already claculated how much I might have to pump to be able to go... but it is just not the right time.
BIG NANNY start stashing up on granola bars because Swiss Cake Rolls will melt on the plane.
Angela,
If I had known two weeks ago, I most definitely would have joined you. What a wonderful experience!
Not that you asked for it—but I will give you some advice—think COMFORT not fashion. I am not sure how hot it will be in Uganda in December—but in Qatar, it is still rather warm. I like Columbia Omni-Dry materials that wick the sweat away from the body—because parts of you will sweat that you never even imagined could sweat—and the last thing that you need is damp, clammy, uncomfortable clothing (and not to mention the nasty sweat spots—yuck).
Also, pack many little tissue packets—and ALWAYS have one on your person—trust me—you’ll be glad you did.
Finally, try to pack light—right—okay—maybe not.
You will certainly be in my prayers.
Anita
you will be changed forever. I recommend that you read Dangerous Surrender by Kay Warren. It's about her trips to Africa and other places and how she has been gloriously ruined. I know that you can overcome your barriers about why you are a little iffy about it. Just be sure to pack lots of snacks that are comfort foods that you will not find there. We said we'd pack homemade chocolate chip cookies if we were to go ago, big jar of peanut butter for some protein, and toilet paper. Pretty sure where you go, you will not have any, much less running water. Feel free to email me any time if you have questions. stephweav@gmail.com
That's so awesome!! I can't wait to hear about what God has in store for you and the anonymous. He's put a stir in my heart to go on a mission trip as well...I just don't know where or when!
I can't get past the fact that you are not taking your assistant?!?! God is awesome and I can not wait to see how he uses you to shine in their lives. Love ya!
“The Light shines through the darkness and the darkness can never extinguish it.” John 1:5 (NLT)
i "heart" africa! what an amazing journey y'all will have. bless and be blessed!
wish i knew my baby girl and i'd send you to find her and love up on her!
wish i could go on the trip- well, scratch that... i'll be going for baby bristol soon and then moving the whole crew to the tip of Africa...not sure i could handle any more looonnngg flights!
prayin' for y'all!
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