“The darkest thing about Africa has always been our ignorance of it.”   -George Kimble

On June 26 I am traveling to Uganda. You can read my explanation of why on the page to the right. Currently I am in the final last-minute packing/planning stage. I am so thankful to everyone who has supported me in this endeavor. People from two churches, family, and some other friends all participated, and it has greatly encouraged me. I know many of you will continue to pray for me, and I need that so badly. I greatly desire a change in my life. I know there are things happening outside of our American borders that either I am ignorant of, or simply don’t care about. I need to see things firsthand. I need to see the need, see the pain, and not turn my face away, and say, “Be warmed and be filled!”, while I do nothing. I want to care more. I want to be like Jesus and touch those who are sick, having a heart of compassion and love.

One thing that I am encountering, which is inevitable when packing, is this question: What do I really NEED? I can’t take everything. This has driven me to conviction about how much STUFF I have, and it has caused me to more and more desire greater simplicity in my life. I hope this is one of many lessons I will learn in the next few months.

I am anticipating two main challenges as I go to Uganda. There are actually many challenges to come, but here are two of them. First, I will undergo a great lifestyle change. I am used to my routine. I have my coffee when it’s time, I can read when it’s time, and can control my life most of the time. In Uganda things will drastically change, and I don’t even quite know how, I just know that they will. I will adjust to that. The other challenge is the fact that I don’t know anybody where I am going. In the past, situations like these are stretching for me, and are very good for me. So while I do anticipate the challenge, I look forward to meeting new people and establishing close friendships.

Please keep my preparation in prayer, as I finish things up at Grace Bible Church, pack, and look forward to the next great step in my life.