Such a Cost

So, these past few days have been QUITE emotional.  So much so that I would have told you yesterday that I was exhausted both physically and emotionally.  My dear friend, Emily, just left to be a missionary in Africa for the next two years.  She left yesterday morning after spending time in Bowling Green for a few days and after I got to spend some sweet time with her. 

It seems that many things are changing right now as people graduate, I'm in my last year of my internship at WKU and friendships appear to be transforming.  I appreciate what the Lord is doing in the midst of this, but it's also good to mourn the end of one stage of life to move onto another.  I'm not really in the middle of the mourning yet, but I'm beginning to feel the dread of knowing it is coming soon. 

Spending time with Emily reminded me of this a lot. I was pretty sad to see such a good friend who I had shared so much with leave me, but, mostly, I was overjoyed knowing she is going to Africa.  I'm so excited for her.  I am scared for her, but I know that the Lord will keep her.  Join me in praying for this precious child of God.  She is loved by Him and is being used by Him and I want her to always remember that.  In the midst of trials, I know that He will grow her and keep her.  I miss her a lot and look forward to seeing her again.

This January, I have time to go see her in Kenya for a few weeks.  I plan to do just that.  I say plan, because, as I learned a few years ago, the Lord can frustrate your plans even the day you should be leaving... However, I am certain that I am going this time.  I have been planning this since the spring, but it's been difficult to plan with very few details.  I need a lot of prayer support for this.  I want to know how I can best encourage Emily at this point in her term.  She will be going through a lot these next few months and I want to be able to refresh her and not frustrate her in my time there. 

Also, I will be able to be a part of her ministry there.  I get to prayer walk, meet people and experience Kenyan culture.  I'm pretty excited about this adventure.  If you want to support me in prayer, you can keep up with updates here or on the Facebook event I made.  Also, know how to pray specifically for Emily on her blog.  I need prayer for my support too.  I need to raise about $2,500-3,000 for this trip.  I would like to raise enough for my plane ticket as soon as possible to know more details and to be able to get my visa.  It will be a large sum of money, but I know the Lord provides.  I do need some vaccinations too that my insurance will likely not be able to cover.  No one wants me to come back with Rabies... right?

This brings me to another request: I would like people to partner with me financially as well.  That sum of money is a large sum and my paycheck will not be able to cover it... let's be real, I work in ministry.  Friends, you have been able to help me raise funds many times in the past and I greatly appreciate all of the support you have given me.  If you can help in any way again this time, I would be very grateful.  Know that it would not only help me, but it would be a good gift to Emily.

Thank you to anyone who reads this and partners with me.  More details will come as I prepare.  I love you all and let me know if there is any way that I can support you in your ministry.

 Oh, Florida over the summer

 

We are always goofy...

 

...and when we aren't it seems to never work :)

Wanted her to know that I've begun to wear her clothes that she left with me :)