It's Official!

Well, It's official; I am now going to Kenya, Africa January 13, 2011! 

I will be going through International Volunteer HQ.They are a organization based in New Zealand that sends volunteers from all over the world wherever they are needed. They work with the organizations in other countries to make sure their volunteers are safe and needed. While in Kenya I will be working with Fadhili Helpers. They will be my main contact and support while in the country.

I will be staying with a host family within walking or short bus ride distance from the orphanage. I wont be assigned an orphanage until I arrive in Kenya. This way they can make sure that I am a good match for the placement. 

The reason I am so desperate to go to Africa is because almost 2 years ago I read the book, A long way gone, by Ismael Beah. It is a heart breaking true story of a boy soldier from Sierra Leone. My heart strings were so far strung that only a passing thought of all the children orphaned from war or AIDS all over Africa brought me to tears. I remember sitting in the van saying, "I need to go, mom." That one phrase was all that would squeak out through my tears. Unfortunately, time, school, and money has prevented me from actually going. I looked into traveling last winter, but nothing seemed to "fit together." I knew that if I was meant to go God would open up a door into Africa or my eyes to another time.

Next winter is God's perfect timing. I know this without a doubt because the moment I thought, 'January, I'm going to Africa' a extreme peace calmed me. I was worked up over graduation, getting engaged, finding a job, moving somewhere with no snow, and my sister going to the Middle East without me. I was extremely stressed out, and I was trying to make everything I think are my dreams become realized. I was praying, and it's funny that this happens to everyone but you, (but it happened), God sent a thought to my brain. Now, that I have decided, found an organization, and paid the first down payment, I am so ready and at peace. All the other stresses seem so small now that  I know what I'm supposed to do.

Soon, I will be sending out support requests, and there will be a link onto an online donation opportunity. Please feel free to pray about all the work this future trip will be for the organization down in Kenya, the children who I will be working with, and my family who is a little bit concerned about diseases. ;-)