Learning Faith + Hope + Love: The desire to go...to Africa.

I had every intention to sit down and write a thorough, heart-felt post about my desire to go to Africa, to simply go and do, to be God's hands and feet.

However, life happens.

I am stressed over grad school stuff, not just completing my assignments, but completing them to the best of my ability. I am exhausted and at times overwhelmed thanks to my busy schedule consisting of internship meetings on nearly all Tuesday and Thursday evenings, additional grad school assignments, full-time employment, volunteering/serving in different areas in my church (which I LOVE doing), and responsibilities at home. Oh and I am married to a pretty fantastic guy who I like spending time with when he is not too busy scrambling around trying to finish up his last semester in grad school while sometimes working overtime to help keep things running as smoothly as possible at work.

This is not a post complaining about life. I love life. Hear my heart:

I am blessed beyond measure.

I am thankful for every opportunity that has been given to me, for every journey I have committed to and attempted to gracefully complete. I have been blessed with the opportunity of higher education, with the chance to work with and support mentors who can make all the difference in the life of a teenage mother. I serve (openly) in a local church who loves God and wants to share his love with others. I work in a place full of people who advocate for young children, children who may not have anyone else fighting for them or anyone else that believes they can succeed. I have the chance to love them, to make a difference. I have a beautiful home filled with food, clothes, warmth, and so much more. I couldn't ask for a more amazing, supportive family, including my in-laws (what a blessing, right!?)!

Then there is my husband. Words can't describe how much he means to me and how thankful I am that he was a part of God's plan for me.

Again, I am blessed. And now, another opportunity lies in front of me, the opportunity to go to Swaziland, Africa. To love on some kids, work with local churches, and share hope with a community full of people made in God's image.

C and I want to go to Africa, but we need help getting there. Prayer. Encouragement. And, unfortunately, lots of money. So...I have tried to spend some time here and there making some crafts to help raise funds.

If anyone actually reads this and wants to buy something shown here or simply wants to help us set our feet on African soil, please let me know! I hope to have a website for donations up and running soon.