lazy

"preach the word; be ready in season and out of season..." 2 Timothy 4:2

i remember vividly the first school we went to. it was a muslim school with hundreds (i would say over 400 or right around) of beautiful children and there they were....sitting and staring at us and waiting to see why we were there. before we got there we were trying to decide who was going to do the gospel presentation and lord knows i was too scared to put my big girl panties on and be the first to do it. after all, we were using a evangacube and i had never used one of those before; so i used that as an excuse. funny how the holy spirit convicts a person, eh?

i had convinced myself that i was not ready to share the good news with these precious children in a way they would understand. that thought may have been one of the most foolish and ignorant thoughts i had that day...better yet, probably the whole trip. to think that i had to present the gospel (which is not mine) in a "convincing" manner was just plain stupid...and the holy spirit let me know that real fast!

for starters i was convicted of how i made sharing truth about me and not my jesus; i was convicted of not trusting that speaking scripture and truth about our sin and need for a savior was enough and that the lord couldnt use that to change hearts...after all, we were in africa. once again, plain ignorant! but heres what really got me: i tend to recite the gospel off of what i have been taught through the years and i sometimes steal different techniques to present it in a way that connects with people; i tend to do it out of "muscle memory" if you will, instead of conviction and going solely off the word that brings freedom from sin.

scripture is clear that we are to be ready in and out of season...at every moment and every place, including a ugandan school under a shade tree. i sat there looking at these kids and i remember sensing this feeling of shame because i wasnt ready and i was timid and then kb starting telling them about a story of hope. praise jesus for the holy spirit! he convicts and disciplines but oh how he comforts! i knew i wasnt ready and i was disappointed in my laziness in that but i was overwhelmed with the fact that these students and even there teachers were about to hear the good news that brought us all the way to the other side of the world. i began to cry because i knew that truth was being spoken over these kids; undeniable truth that does nothing but set them free and gives them hope! oh the joy of one simple message.

after every presenation we would go and play a pick up game of soccer with the school's team and on the way to the field we would alway sing and dance...well this time was by far my favorite! i wish i would have recorded it because we danced, sang, and laughed so much that i was tired and out of breath by the time we got to the field. but i would rather sing and dance with those kids than ever pick up a bat or glove ever again in my life.

i remember looking around at all those different faces and trying to pick out the differences and tell them apart; nearly impossible. i couldnt help but to think of how creative the lord is. he made each and every one of those kids, you and i, so incredibly different and yet he knows each by name and how many hairs are on there heads. they were all beautiful and talented in their own unique way and their laughter...oh their laughter. i could care less if it was at me, my white skin, or my nappy hair; just hearing them laugh made every bit of dust on every inch of my body worth it.

even in africa i know i was always looking to the next school or the next thing on the agenda. i also know that i missed out on opportunities to love on people as christ did and to be loved on. i wasnt ready in that moment when my number was called and i retracted to being shy when i know that i was born to be bold in my faith despite the uncomfortable circumstances or even language barriers. my hope and prayer is that my eyes would be opened to each and every moment and see the blessing the lord has given and that i would hide his word in my heart and cling to it...especially when he says to be ready in and out of season.

sweating in my sunday best

There are some things in life that you cannot avoid. I like to call these the facts of life. IE: water is made up of hydrogen and oxygen, rain falls from the sky, Louisiana is freakishly hot and humid, and I sweat like a man. It’s true. Sweating is one of my many characteristics. Yet in Africa, it seems to be the norm; second nature if you will.

Our first Sunday in Africa, we had the chance to go to church in Kampala. We went to Watoto Baptist Church. Let’s just say if I could make that my church home, I would in a heartbeat. It was one of the most beautiful churches I have ever been to and it wasn’t because of the decorations or anything in the building. I firmly believe it was because the Holy Spirit was so thick in that place and the joy of those around me was contagious. Going in, I had already decided what African church was going to be like. It exceeded my wildest dreams.
I was expecting them to sing songs like “The Circle of Life” or “Hakuna Matata”; ok, maybe not those exact songs, but something similar. They definitely sang Hillsong and lots of other contemporary songs that many would know here; like modern contemporary. Not the old school Michael W. Smith tunes.

The first word of the first song comes out of the worship leaders’ mouths and I immediately begin to weep. The people around me probably thought I was a crazy American. Nothing in all the land could have prepared me for experiencing church in another country. I cannot help but to go back to that moment in my mind. In my mind, I assumed that there was no way that people in other countries could connect with our Father. I’m not sure how that naïve thought got in my head but it was soon trumped by the sounds of beautiful African voices singing relentlessly to their creator. Singing with adoration, joy, and conviction. The sound of their voices captivated my thoughts and in turn brought me to my knees before my father. Who was I to think he could not speak and connect to these people half a world away? Who was I to assume that God is not big enough to do what he wants, when he wants, and how he desires it to be done?

These people who have very little or nothing at all sang to their savior with humility, conviction, and a unique understanding of the love the father has for them. Granted, they will never know the capacity in which the father loves them but they grasp it in a way that we Americans could never even think about. They know that they have very little but they also know, trust, and believe that in Christ they have it all; all they will ever need.

It was evident that the leaders of the church were united in one common purpose. The way they led worship and the teaching of the Word was so encouraging and left me desiring more. I was encouraged because I was worshipping with my family. Although we aren’t considered family by blood, we are covered by Jesus’ blood and that makes it all the more special for me.

I have one of the worst memories in all the land. Ask anyone around me and they can testify to this truth; I’m pretty sure my 94 year old grandpa has a better memory than me. One thing I remember my parents teaching me and my brother is that we are to always tithe no matter the circumstances. Funny how certain things stick with you. I have never seen people give with eagerness and willingness like I did this day at Watoto Church. I easily forget that the Lord moves and teaches simple truths such as tithing and rejoicing in that. I got to see people who have nothing or very little give to the Lord with an expectancy that He will act on what they have to give.

I have never sweated so much in church and been ok with it. Yet, at the same time I have never been a part of something so moving and thick with the Holy Spirit. I was surrounded by my brother and sisters in Christ, from different nations, all praising our Creator as one body. Oh I hope and pray for that day to come again so soon. Where we, as the body of Christ, come as one to lift praises to our king; that he may be glorified.

something about china

so right now, im in this stage of just being in love with africa and everything about it. everyone knows i want to be back there and may be a little tired of hearing those words come out of my mouth. i really believe that the lord has given people different passions; some have a deep passion for the asian culture while some, like me, have a passion for the african culture. the older i get the more i come to respect and admire these different god-given passions.

i say all that to say that today i had the opportunity to go and visit with some foreign students who are visiting LC for a few weeks. i have never really interacted with anyone from china or japan; actually no one from asia. well, i interact with mimi back home; shes the lady who waxes my eyebrows but thats another story :) there were several of us who got to help teach them about our culutre here and my friend alanna said that my next trip overseas needs to be to china. any mention of overseas and my mind immediately goes to africa, shooting down any opportunity to another place. that time with these students changed my perspective. i enjoyed every minute of my time with them.

many times i lose focus of the big picture in life. i forget that my time here is just a blink and i am a visitor on this earth; this is not my home. i dont remember that my focus should always be to tell people, whoever they are and wherever they are from, about the hope and life christ gives. i get so caught up in the things of the world and lose focus. the lord used different things to humble us. i believe that he used my new chinese friends to humble me in a new way. to shed light on a prideful area in my heart and show me that no matter the location, race, or color we are called to be salt and light and speak truth.

touchdown dance!

the lord has blessed me in many areas but writing and communicating my thoughts or ideas is not high on the list. each time i sit in front of a computer and attempt to write of what i saw, i feel like i cant do it. i don't know where to begin and i usually end up in tears because i long to be there. i long to be there because i know that im being used in ways i wouldnt be used in the states; because things are put into perspective; because those precious people bring utter joy into my life just through a simple smile. they have my heart. and for every person who asks how the trip went, i cant help but to tell them i want to be there now more than ever.




one of my favorite days was when we got to play with the kids across our hotel. all we had to do to get their attention and lure them in was throw a frisbee and play with a soccer ball for maybe five minutes. after that, its like they came out of every nook and corner to see these white people. honestly, they probably saw us from a mile away because we all stood out with our sunscreen bodies. one by one, they would come out and play with us. i noticed the simplest things make their days. ie: playing with a foam football, learning how to throw a frisbee, or just laughing at our "mad" soccer skills. i think my favorite moment of that day was teaching them how to celebrate with a proper touchdown dance. who better to teach them than three white girls?



one by one we taught them how to celebrate this huge accomplishment of catching the ball. youre probably wondering how we did this...let me be the first to answer your question. they were practically begging us to teach them how to dougie and how to properly do the stanky leg; so that is exactly what we did.

as we continued to play with these talented kids, i noticed that some of the moms watched us; some would glance while others would stare. i couldnt help but notice that most of them had a look of...i guess thankfulness. i dont know how to describe it. i know im not a mom and there is no way i could understand the love they have for their kids but to see this look of satisfaction on their face was astonishing to me. i feel like they were enjoying their kids be kids; enjoying their kids have fun and run around. im not saying that they dont have fun any other time but as if, for a moment, they didnt have a care in the world and they could just be. in my head, its like they forgot their problems for a little while and enjoyed the simplicity of life.

i couldnt help but to immediately love them as they wrapped their little arms around my waist and looked at me with their big brown eyes. all they needed and wanted was to be loved. some wouldnt play; they would just stand by us holding our hand. as i think about it, i just want to go back and love on them. tell them that they are cherished and adored by their creator. teach them how to walk in the ways of the lord. i want to be there and provide for them so they dont have to worry about providing for their younger siblings; so they can be a kid while they still can. but even in the moments of realizing they are in a poverty stricken place, i know that the lord loves them and that his purpose and plan in bigger than the human mind can convey. for he created them and knows them intimately.

any time i think of africa, these precious kids pop in my mind. they were the first to capture my heart. we got to play in the dirt together and play with a frisbee and football that was covered in some wet substance; i really dont know what it was and i really dont care to know. all i know is that they prepared me for the thousands of other kids we see and love on.

is that your real hair?

June 30, 2011

After months of raising money, praying over this trip, and two days of training camp in Atlanta, the day had finally come to board the plane and leave for Africa...but not before going through security. After making sure all my things were in the bin to go through the x-ray machine, I step through the metal detector and meet my new friend...the security lady. Her job requires her to make sure there is nothing suspicious on a person like a bomb; this includes checking pockets, beards, shoes, etc. In my case it includes checking my hair. I could see it in her eyes that she was jealous of the fro and I couldn't blame her of wanting to check something so beautiful. I thought it was great way to start off a long trip!

Once we made it through security and reached our gate, I received another surprise. Lacy Fairchild, a dear friend of mine from school, comes and gives me a huge hug. I knew we were going to Africa around the same time but I didn't think that we would be on the same flight. Such a sweet moment to see her! I know the Lord used her in big ways and shaped her heart to be the woman he has called her to be and I'm so excited to hear all about her trip! That's your hint Lacy...big hint!

I'm fascinated by the small things in life; ie: the tv on the plane with the huge list of movies, shows, and music to watch and listen to! Maybe the best part of the whole trip...ok, maybe not, but it was awesome. After the excitment died down, I decided to play nice and try to make converstaion with the man who would be new neighbor for the next nine hours. You could tell he was pumped to be sitting by me...who wouldn't be?! Anyways, we started talking and he eventually asked what why I was going to Africa. I proceeded to tell him what all we would be doing and the purpose behind our trip. After kindly listening, he asked me if us going to Africa was safe. You know, I don't have all the answers in life but I am pretty certain about one thing. I know that the Lord calls us to be obedient in going and doing and making his name known...no matter how dangerous or uncomfortable it is. I'm pretty sure my new friend didn't understand where I was coming from but it was a great reminder for me to hear myself tell him that I am called to be obedient despite the circumstances. Funny thing is, I'm still learning to apply this truth on a daily basis.

Last fall, Allyson introduced me to a popular blog called "Kisses for Katie". In a nutshell, it's about a girl who fell in love with Africa and the people there and decided to move there for good. She wanted to make a difference in the lives of the people there and that is exactly what she did and is still doing. Her life is a beautiful display of obedience and compassion and the coolest part is she gets to teach her 13 daughters she adopted that they are loved so much by the creator of the universe. She has a heart for people and heart to serve others and that is exactly what she does; I encourage you to go read her blog and visit her website. I have never met Katie but according to her dad, she seems like a person I would love to be friends with. That's right. I met her dad...on the plane to Uganda. Let me just give a recap of how I met Scott (that's her dad). We're on a first name basis these days.

So I go to get my malaria medicine and I can't reach it in the overhead compartment. When Mr. Scott saw that this kid was struggling, he decided to help. God bless his soul. He noticed that I was doping up and asked if that was my malaria medicine and that eventually led to why I was going to Uganda. I proceeded to tell him about always wanting to go to Africa and how the trip came about and ISF and everything else that goes with it. After I unloaded that on him, I asked him what he was going for and he proceeded to tell me that his daughter, Katie, lives in Jinja with her 13 daughters she adopted. As soon as he said her name and how many daughters she had, I immediately asked him if she had a blog called "Kisses for Katie" and when he said yes, I about flipped out. To make a long story short, we got to talking and I asked him a million questions about how she got started and how they handled it and what he thought about it and everything else I could think of. Such a cool moment talking to him; sad thing I didn't realize I was sitting right across from him the whole nine hours, but the time we did talk was so good! He even called me by name and let me borrow his pen. I know what you're thinking...AMAZING! I thought so too.

We finally arrived in Uganda and as I looked out the window expecting to see something I have never seen before, I did see something I had never seen before...because it was pitch black! Literally, no lights whatsoever; but it was one of the coolest moments for me. The girl sitting beside me was from Uganda and when she noticed me looking out the window, she so sweetly told me that there weren't any lights in her hometown this time of night. To be in a place where I couldn't see anything, not even a light, was an eerie but satisfying feeling. Eerie because I had no clue what to expect but satisfying because I was about to step off the plane with my team and be salt and light to a land covered in darkness.

blessed

I have always wanted to go to Africa for as long as I can remember. My dad went to Zimbabwe when he was younger and I thought it would be awesome to do the same. The opportunity to go never really came up until the spring when my friend KB posted that she was going back through ISF and if anyone was interested to contact her. So out of curiosity I got in touch with her and got some details about the trip. Of course, the information was good enough for me to go that day. I didn't expect I would get to go but I tend to be wrong more than I am right. I had mentioned the idea of going to Africa to my parents long before this popped up but nothing ever came of it and figured nothing would come of this trip either. Once again...wrong!


I'm a big fan of funny phrases and sayings and one of my favorites happens to be: "Put your big girl panties on". I find humor in that at times, but I'm sure that some people don't. When I told my parents about this trip and they were kind of "iffy" about me going, I told them that they just needed to put thier big girl panties on and trust that the Lord will provide. Well the Lord did provide. We were in Dallas at a tournament and in between games they told me that if they didn't let me go to Africa, they wouldn't be trusting the Lord and his provision for me. I tend to show my excitement in different ways; most of the time, I have to convince people that I really am excited because I really don't express it outwardly unless it's something I'm super pumped about. I say that to say that it was hard for my parents to see that I was excited about going but I was pumped about it!

I think it's odd at how often I am surprised when the Lord comes through and provides. I really don't understand why I'm stunned when he remains faithful and lives up to what he has promised. I mean, he is one who has always fulfilled his promises and provides just at the right time; and praise his name that he did so in style for this occassion. The total cost of my trip was initially close to the $3000 mark but due to gas prices and what not, the price jumped to the $3600 area. Well, raising money started a little slow but picked up in a hurry thanks to my good looks and all...actually thanks to a creative and supportive Allyson Collins and people who love to give. Shirts are always a big hit for any fundraiser and with the help of my best friend's brother in law's creativeness and LOTS of shirts later I had reached my mark. Just when I thought I was done raising money, I continued to get large amounts of donations from different people. It was clear that these people were sacrificing financially in order to support me and the Lord used their obedient hearts to humble me in new ways.

I have been blessed to have so many people in my life that have supported me and who continue to support me. Some of these people are obligated because they are family and there are those who do so out of the goodness of their heart; my teammates fall in a very special category. They knew I was going to Africa from the moment I found out and supported me every step of the way. On senior day, they got each of the seniors gifts and when I saw what they put in my locker I was floored. I found a huge water jug filled with money. Now knowing them, they probably forced other people to give all their change and claimed it as their own. HA! I kid, I kid. They gave the change they had to support me and it was so humbling. The way they loved me and supported me from start to finish leaves me speechless.

The Lord has used this trip to open my eyes in so many ways. From the start, he has had his hand on it and has used the smallest moments and the biggest moments to open my blind eyes and my deaf ears to how big he really is. I just hope that my stories from this trip bring the glory he deserves.