Africa Bound!

In 2010 I went to Africa and I left a part of myself there.  I know, I know...I had heard people say that and I was thinking, "Yeah, right."  Well it happend to me too.

I never, never, never had a desire to go to a foreign country.  I never had a desire to go on a Missions Trip.   I always said if I did go on a missions trip they would have to put me up in a nice lodge with comfy beds and running hot water.  You see I've never been a big camper-outer (is that a word?)  So none of this apealed to me. 

Well that was my excuse.  But when it comes right down to it, I am just a fleshly selfish old thing.  I have never been good on giving of self, time, or money.  It's mine!  Right?  I worked hard for it. Right?  I like my home, my remote control, my bed, my food, my car...do you see a little selfishness here?

Well, anyway back in 2010, God was really dealing with my heart.  I was feeling pretty empty and dry and like I needed to do something more for Him.  I get this email about a Women's Conference in Kenya and I feel my heart kinda jump at it and I'm like...thats new...and weird.

So my daughter calls and she's going on the Missions trip to Kenya, to help with a Women's Conference for the Masaii women.  And she says, "Mom, I think you need to go with us."   So I confess to her that I have felt God calling me to go.  I remember that day so vividly. My husband and I were painting the exterior of a beautiful home in Midland.  It was a beautiful Spring day in April. I'm sitting in the car talking to Shereen on the phone and start crying as I know that I know I'm supposed to go. 

I told her that I would go if God provided the money.  And that little stinker says, "It's called FAITH, mom!  God won't provide until you step out in faith and say that you are going."

Well, I knew right then that I was going and that God was going to provide.  By July God had provided over $3,500.00 to pay for my entire trip through the donations of amazing people who had vision and FAITH. Isn't that awesome?

I mean it was truly miraculous.    People just started slipping me hundred dollar bills.  I would mention the trip on Facebook and folks would write me and say they were sending money.  It was definitely a FAITH builder.  Here I thought I was going to do something for God and He's doing it for me.

This past Sunday our pastor, Daniel Stephens, 
Mid Cities said, "We are to be a redemptive agent on the earth."  But in this process he also said that "It's about God's process of redeeming me." 

Do you see?  Do you get it?  Here we are going around thinking we are redeeming when we give to charity or go on a missions trip or buy groceries for someone but the truth of the matter is...

This redemptive process is for me...not from me!

I'll write another post about all the great things that God did for me and the Masaii women and our whole team of amazing ladies from accross the states later.

Below are some photos of the  2010 trip. 

But here's the real news.  I am going back on January 27th, for our second Masaii Women's conference.  When I get back I'll share photos.  Hope you enjoy.  And I hope you will be praying for us.  There are 30 ladies going this year.  So excited. 

Yes I even painted in Africa!

Loved taking pictures of the babies.  They are so beautiful.

Our night guards and cooks doing what they do. I was so shocked to see that they all had cell phones.  I guess that way they can let each other know when they've spotted a lion close to the camp.  They are saying, "Hello A-mare-deeka"

Beautiful Marigold Cheshier.  She is the vision behind the Masaii Women's Conference.  She is my daughter's mother-in-love.  She is an amazing lady who can sing your sox off and preach the word of God like nobody's business.  She is also one tough cookie...she flew to Africa this month with three fractured ribs.  Please pray for her!

  I love her!

My beautiful daughter, Shereen, who taught me about FAITH!  She is now a pastor's wife at New Destiny, in Monroe, LA.

Me, stylin' a beautiful belt that was hand beaded by a lovely Masaii lady.  Now stop laughing at the hair...they wouldn't let me bring my blow dryer.