Ever
since I can remember, I have loved Africa (the people, music, and
colors) and wanted to serve there. Just over two years ago, I went to a
FUSION conference that connected me to the Rafiki Foundation, a Christian
organization whose goal is to help Africa’s orphaned and vulnerable
children become godly contributors to their communities and the world.
The speaker said they were looking for teachers and artists….check
and check. That’s me! I turned to my friend and said, “This is it!” I
couldn’t have imagined a more clear call from God to go.
since I can remember, I have loved Africa (the people, music, and
colors) and wanted to serve there. Just over two years ago, I went to a
FUSION conference that connected me to the Rafiki Foundation, a Christian
organization whose goal is to help Africa’s orphaned and vulnerable
children become godly contributors to their communities and the world.
The speaker said they were looking for teachers and artists….check
and check. That’s me! I turned to my friend and said, “This is it!” I
couldn’t have imagined a more clear call from God to go.
I was sent to Kenya for four weeks. God overwhelmed me. Throughout
the entire trip God taught me about HIS love. I fell in love with this
place, these people, and one child in particular, Davis. I never
imagined how much I could love someone, in such a short time, and
leaving him was one of the hardest things I had to do. I left my heart
there and made a promise to Davis that I would be back to see him.
the entire trip God taught me about HIS love. I fell in love with this
place, these people, and one child in particular, Davis. I never
imagined how much I could love someone, in such a short time, and
leaving him was one of the hardest things I had to do. I left my heart
there and made a promise to Davis that I would be back to see him.
This past year, I was blessed to return.
Going back was like going home to see my family. I was able to spend
five weeks just loving on the children and people I had met the year
before. I had a great time, but God challenged me in many ways. I was
assigned to teach literature and grammar. I felt unqualified and
upset, but after I let go of my inadequacies, God went to work; it was
ok. I met new community students(amazing kids!), played with Davis and the other
children, and got to know the staff much more which was so great.
Leaving Davis was even harder, and this time I felt that it would be
longer before I could return again because I felt God had something
else in store for next summer (I just wasn’t sure what that was). I
brought my heart home with me, but I want go back.
Going back was like going home to see my family. I was able to spend
five weeks just loving on the children and people I had met the year
before. I had a great time, but God challenged me in many ways. I was
assigned to teach literature and grammar. I felt unqualified and
upset, but after I let go of my inadequacies, God went to work; it was
ok. I met new community students(amazing kids!), played with Davis and the other
children, and got to know the staff much more which was so great.
Leaving Davis was even harder, and this time I felt that it would be
longer before I could return again because I felt God had something
else in store for next summer (I just wasn’t sure what that was). I
brought my heart home with me, but I want go back.
Soon
after returning, my friend Melanie was leaving on the World
Race. I was familiar with the race through her preparation. The World
Race started popping up in my thoughts during worship. I would hear
certain songs about missions and serving and started grieving over the
word sacrifice. It took me awhile to figure out God was preparing me
to let go of my family, friends, job, and comforts here. I began
reading blogs of current racers; I finally inquired. That day, one of
my coworkers asked me if I saw myself teaching for awhile. What weird
timing…or so I thought. All I could say was, “I don’t even know about
next year.” After inquiring about the race, I was asked what was
holding me back from going on the World Race. I made excuses. I went
to church that same night and the title of the sermon was What is Holding You Back from Surrendering Your Life to God?
Really?! I laughed; God is funny. I applied the next day and felt an
overwhelming sense of peace. I am so excited about this trip!
after returning, my friend Melanie was leaving on the World
Race. I was familiar with the race through her preparation. The World
Race started popping up in my thoughts during worship. I would hear
certain songs about missions and serving and started grieving over the
word sacrifice. It took me awhile to figure out God was preparing me
to let go of my family, friends, job, and comforts here. I began
reading blogs of current racers; I finally inquired. That day, one of
my coworkers asked me if I saw myself teaching for awhile. What weird
timing…or so I thought. All I could say was, “I don’t even know about
next year.” After inquiring about the race, I was asked what was
holding me back from going on the World Race. I made excuses. I went
to church that same night and the title of the sermon was What is Holding You Back from Surrendering Your Life to God?
Really?! I laughed; God is funny. I applied the next day and felt an
overwhelming sense of peace. I am so excited about this trip!
In that sermon this quote was given, “One person totally devoted to God can do infinitely more than 1,000 who have been awaken by God’s spirit.”
