Inspiring man of God

Today we went and visited the prison. It amazes me that the people there are so on fire for God despite their circumstances. One man in particular continues to amaze and inspire me. He is a young man who is in jail and will be there for a long time, but even though he is there he has such great joy. Even on the day of his sentence he told me that he prayed that if it be Gods will then let him be able to get out soon. But if not, then he asked God to be able to use him for His glory there in the prison. God has big plans for that man. He will inspire the other prisoners just as he has inspired me.

My heart belongs to Africa.

So I have been in Cameroon for like 30 hours and I am already in love with it here. I know this is where God wants me to be. But even though I know this is where I am suppose to be, one of my biggest struggles is that it is so hard for me to remember that I know nothing compared to God. It took so long for me to get over myself and finally say, "Yes Lord. Lead me. I will walk by faith." Life isn't always easy, in fact, He makes it hard on purpose. If life wasn't hard then we wouldn't have to rely on Him. But God wants me here. In Africa. He will lead me. And I will love every second of it.

Traveling Mercies

Tomorrow is the day. Tomorrow Kalyn and I will travel into the unknown. We will wake up in the morning, say goodbye to our families, and board a plane to Africa. Two eighteen year old girls who are taking on the challenge of the world. Some call us stupid, some call us brave, but really we are just following the commandment of God. We have decided that we don't just want to be the dishes in the cabinet, we want to be the dishes that are used.

God, please be with Kalyn and I on this exciting adventure that we are going on for you. Please give us traveling mercies. Even though we know you will have your hands on us, it can still be a little bit nerve racking to travel all the way to Africa without any adults. Please help Kalyn and I to feel you guiding us through the airports and on the plane. Please wrap your arms around us and  keep us safe.  
<3 Your daughter.

Kalyn :)

From the moment I heard that I would be traveling to Cameroon with another girl my age I began to pray. I believe that one of the most important things about mission trips is the people you go with. The worst thing is when you are so distracted by silly little conflicts that it ruins the mission. That's why I am so glad that I will be spending six weeks in Africa with a girl by the name of Kalyn Dendel. I officially met her three short days ago but we immediately clicked. She is a sweet girl who has a beautiful heart for the Lord. She came to my hometown of Rozetta, Illinois to meet us all and participate in Trivia Night, one of our fundraisers for the trip. She decided to stay with me since in just a few short days we will be staying together in Africa! I am so glad that she did! I have enjoyed getting to know her and I no longer have any worries that we wont get along. :)

Two weeks 'til takeoff

I am having a hard time believing that I will be leaving for Cameroon, Africa in exactly two weeks. I don't think that it has fully sunk in yet. This trip won't be like the other short term trips that I've been on. I will be gone for a month and a half. I will not see my family, friends, or eat McDonald's for 6 weeks. God what have you gotten me into? But I will have Jesus and I will have this blog. I am hoping that I will be able to blog on a regular basis while I am there. This will be a place for me to pour out my worries, excitement, heartache, and all the other crazy emotions that I am sure I will be overwhelming for me. Just two weeks and my life will never be the same.