Why I'm Going to South Africa

This is my first time going on a mission trip, so I'm a little nervous. I've never been away from my family that long and I don't know quite yet how we're going to swing child care for the kids since I'm a stay-at-home mom by profession :) . I'm also intimidated by the amount of money that this trip is going to cost, and how soon that money is due: $2,000 total, with half of that needed by February 1st in order to book airfare. One thing I do know for sure is that if I wait for all of the logistics and finances to align perfectly, then I'll NEVER go.

Here are a few of the reasons why I'm going:

- A couple of years ago, I heard a group from our church share about their trip to South Africa. I've always supported other people going on these mission trips, both financially and in prayer, but when I heard this particular group share, my heart broke for the people in South Africa impacted by the one-two punch of disease and poverty. It was one of those moments when "I knew that I knew that I knew". I knew I loved these people I'd never met, I knew I couldn't turn a blind eye, and I knew I had to go. Since then, New Hope has had two more teams go on mission trips to South Africa, but I didn't feel that "knowing" pull to go, which was a little frustrating and confusing. Then, this past summer while listening to a song entitled "Love" by Chris Tomlin and minding my own business :) , I was overwhelmed with emotion and in that moment I knew without a doubt that I was supposed to go on the next trip. The funny thing was, there was no trip to South Africa scheduled yet! So, for six months I've been waiting as patiently as I can for this trip to come, trusting that the timing would work out. So, March 1st-15th, it is!

- I was given up for adoption at birth. Born in America, I was well cared for in a loving foster home until my wonderful parents adopted me. Many kids who are orphaned in Africa have a vastly different experience: extreme poverty, rampant disease, unclean water. My heart aches for children who have lost both of their parents to HIV/AIDS. Many times, the oldest child in the family has to assume the role of mom and dad, providing for their family and emotionally bearing burdens that far exceed their age and ability. Unless conditions change, this cycle will continue. I see the need, and I desperately want to help.

- I am passionate about enlarging my sense of family and community. I could stay pretty comfortable and content staying within a five mile radius of my house: my family, friends, church, and Target :) are all here. But I know there’s more I’m supposed to do with the resources and opportunities I’ve been given.

Another part of enlarging my sense of community is being intentional about asking others to partner with me for this trip. Asking for help, especially in the area of money, is way out of my usual comfort zone. I know I can't do it alone, though, and I'd love to have you join me on this journey and give you an opportunity to make a difference from right where you are.

Would you consider being part of my personal team? Moral support, prayer support, and financial support are all needed :) . If you are interested in being a financial supporter, you can give via the secure PayPal "donate" button on the upper right side of this web page OR post a comment here/contact me and I will send you a pre-stamped envelope in which to mail your donation and get your tax deduction.

Thank you for reading this and for thoughtfully considering how you can partner with me on this adventure. I can't wait to see what happens!


"Love is an attempt to change a piece of a dream-world into reality." -Henry David Thoreau


Here's a link to the video of the song "Love" featuring the Watoto Childrens Choir: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNsm9AHAJsU

New Hope website: http://www.newhopechristian.org