ONE week!

One week from today I will be on a plane to start my journey to Uganda! After many months of praying, planning, and wondering what it is going to be like to live in Africa, I am now so close to finding out. Words cannot truly express how excited I am for this summer. Its like a dream come true!

But as I prepare to leave next week I ask for your thoughts and prayers for several things:

-My heart: That it will be focused completely on the Lord. I know that if I am focused on anything else, I will be distracted from the Lord and will not be able to fulfill his calling for me. I pray that I seek the Lord and that I will rely on him for his guidance throughout each and everyday. I also pray that I will not be distracted by anything that is going on back in the states. My prayer is that my heart will be focused on the Lord and that will continue seeking and trusting Him.

-The interns: I pray for our protection as we travel and while we are there, our unity as a team, and that we can each learn from one another and encourage one another in our daily walks with Christ. Throughout the summer there will be a total of 14 interns:

May 31-July 29: Sara Mattox, Elizabeth Bryant, McCamy Pruitt, Rebecca Osteen, and Anna Handlin
May 31-July 3: Mattie Jimmerson, Jerica Pealor, Kasey Tucker, Laurel Schweers, and Emma Jaggears
July 4- July 29: Mauri Tickal, Andrew Clark, and Tyler Harris

I ask that you pray for each one of us as we prepare for the summer and for our time in Uganda.

-The East Family: Matt, Jamie, Tristan, Cole, and baby girl East (due in July). The East's are serving as missionaries and have been the hands and feet to the starting of Abaana's Hope. I pray for Matt and Jamie as they lead us physically and spiritually this summer and as we all work together as a team. I know that having 10 college students living in your house is going to bring changes but I pray that we will all grow into one big family.

I also pray specifically for Jamie and the baby. I pray for their health and their safety during the last few weeks of pregnancy and the adjustment of having a newborn in Africa.

-The people of Gulu: I pray that God prepares the hearts of these people and that the cultural differences would be set aside so that the Lord can speak to both of us. I pray for the relationships that will be made with these people and that they would be a direct reflection of Christ. I have a passion for these people who I have yet to meet, and I know that God has put this passion in my heart. I pray for each Ugandan I will meet and that they will teach me just as much as I hope to teach them.

-My family: I pray that God watches over and protects my family while I am away. My parents and sister have been extremely supportive and encouraging in my preparations for this summer and I pray that the Lord teaches them just as he will teach me this summer.

7 days!