When I was in eighth grade, I went on my first missions trip. There I met my husband, Derek. We went to New Orleans, Louisiana where we worked with the homeless and inner city children. That trip sparked a fire in me, a passion for the continent of Africa. Eight years went by before I made my first journey there.
Scripture tells many stories of God revealing a “next step” for Bible characters. Sometimes, the waiting time for that “next step” is years. Take David, for example. He was anointed King of Israel, yet did not officially become King until about fifteen years had gone by. David went through quite a refining process during his wait. Jesus was born onto this earth fully God, fully man. His ministry did not begin until He was thirty years old. (I am not suggesting that you always have to wait years before doing what God has given you a passion for…sometimes you have to GO immediately, like Abraham and Jonah.)
In 2008, I went to Cameroon, Africa for seven and a half weeks. I lived with a missionary family, the Friesens. Dan, Lisa, and their children live in the village of Big Bekondo and are helping translate the Bible into the native tongue, Oroko. I had the opportunity to develop relationships with the people and children of Big Bekondo through farm working, Vacation Bible School on the front porch, morning runs with the locals, visits to elementary schools, and Bible drama. This amazing trip challenged me on many different levels, and I am so grateful for my time with the beautiful people there.
When in Big Bekondo, I doodled a tattoo to help me remember my trip. This was also inspired by Romans 10:15, “How beautiful are the feet of those carrying the good news!”
Upon returning to the States, my passion seemed to fade. Perhaps it was the busy-ness of my first year teaching, being engaged, planning a wedding, living in community, burrito projects on Saturdays…life was full, and I was perfectly content living here in Lake Worth with my current support system. I had been and gone to Africa. My trip was done, so my desire to go was gone.
About a year after my return, things began to settle down. I ran into a friend who had a beautiful hand-made bracelet. When I inquired where she got it from, she told me, “Uganda.”
A small spark became lit once again inside of me.
She proceeded to tell me about this wonderful organization called, Light Gives Heat. They have given the people of Uganda a sustainable life through a job and a monthly income. The people who work for Light Gives Heat in Uganda make jewelry out of recycled paper and purses out of scraps of fabric. Some fun facts about Light Gives Heat that I love are:
· The founders were originally going to Uganda to adopt their daughter, when
this organization became an idea.
· They are a Fair Trade organization
· They offer consistent incomes to the people in Uganda.
· Their products are BEAUTIFUL (This one is an opinion. 
)
I have partnered with Light Gives Heat for a few years now. I am one of many who have helped sell their jewelry to friends and family. Just recently, I became a Sales Representative for their organization. I have my own website, and can make 20% profit on what I sell. (Whatever profit I earn will go towards our World Race support). I am honored to have this opportunity to help the families in Uganda from this side of the world.
I am also EXTREMELY excited that one of our stops on World Race is…UGANDA! The small spark has become a large fire! Please check out my website listed below. You too can help bring good news to people on the ends of the earth. The good news of clean drinking water, food, shelter, and education.
