Going...

I'm going to Rwanda

I actually can't believe I'm writing those words.

In March, a group of friends and I are headed to Rwanda with Africa New Life

It's crazy how many random connections we discovered throughout planning this trip

It's totally confirming where God wants me to go.

The founder of Africa New Life went to my alma mater, Multnomah (well, he went to the seminary, I went to the college, but kinda the same thing ;) )

Africa New Life's women's ministries partners with Noonday Collection

I am so beyond excited to meet these women who's stories I've shared and who's work I proudly display at shows.  Getting to meet these women in person, and hug them, and thank them and tell them how many people care for them and ask about them and want to hear their stories. It's priceless. 

I'm sure I'll cry.

We're going over on a vision trip, to see about possible long term partnerships with ANL. What I love about ANL is that they are Rwandan run, helping the Rwandan people.  They have an amazing ministry and I'm so excited to be able to go and learn more about it.  We have no idea what God has in store for this trip, but I know it's going to be life changing and I'm ready!

There are some ways YOU can  be involved too! Wanna know how?

1. PRAY PRAY PRAY. Please pray for me and our team, pray that God will make us uncomfortable and feel called to action. Pray for health while we travel and while we're on the ground.  Pray for those who we're going to come in contact with, God already knows-pray he prepares our hearts and theirs.

2. You can host a Noonday Collection Trunk Show! For the months of January and February all Noonday commission will be going to my trip costs.  By hosting a show not only are you helping me with the finaicial part- but you're becoming a direct link to the women I will meet! We can take pictures at your show and I can show these women in Rwanda all of you who care for them! There are also some sweet incentives in Januray and Fevuary if you decide you wanna host a show, let me know and we can talk.

So why am I going? Becuse for over a year I have felt a nudge from the Holy Spirit saying it's time to GO and I'm too comfortable right now, it's time to get uncomfortable.

My friend Jessica from Noonday recently took her 6 year old daughter to Africa. they visited Ethiopia, Rwanda and Uganda.  Here's an expert from the blog she wrote right before she left-it's a beautiful explaintain on WHY we go.

"When Amelie, my 6 year old, is 22, I want her to tell me that her life isn’t all about her. I want her to risk everything, to lay down her life, in order to co labor with Christ to make His love known among the poor, the oppressed, the disenfranchised. I am taking her with me to Africa so she can SEE the face of poverty; the face of strength and beauty. I want her to see that Africa is not just a land of moms and dads so poor that Americans have to send lots of money to “sponsor” their kids.  It is a place where God’s image bearers dwell. Talented people, who with a market place for their goods, can create beautiful things and overcome insurmountable odds. She will meet the ladies behind the accessories that have filled our house and now office for 2 years and know why mommy is working so hard. She will see the 50 crib room that Jack called home, and will meet many other kids without moms and dads. I want her heart to be ruined and wrecked for the God who ruined himself for her." (see full blog post here)

 ^"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

James 1:27