Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika - God Bless Africa

http://www.irismin.com/


"Love- It is a small four-letter word that will cost you everything: laying down your life, passion and compassion, giving without excepting, feeling His very heartbeat and surrendering to His rhythm, and following Him wherever He goes, even to Mozambique" Iris Harvest School of Missions.

There is something about Africa that makes a piece of my heart race. (It's beginning to race right now, and all I am doing is typing about it...ha!) Whether is has been attending Invisible Children events http://www.invisiblechildren.com/, simply wearing TOMS Shoes http://www.toms.com/, or watching a movie like Hotel Rwanda or just hearing stories about what God is doing in Africa...there is something inside of me that comes alive. Africa has been on my heart for a very long time and it has been a dream of mine to one day visit the beautiful continent. I felt like I was called to Africa when I was 12 years old...and now, 10 years later I have been given the opportunity to make that dream, that calling, happen.

My summer of 2010 looked picture perfect: two jobs, one at Wrigley Field and another babysitting for one of the most wonderful families that I have in my life. My apartment in Chicago is in the perfect location...two blocks from Lake Michigan and only a bike ride away from any music festival. I had made arrangements for my best friend to come live with me for the summer...it was perfect...I have ALWAYS wanted to spend a summer in Chicago...I couldn't have asked for a more perfect summer....or at least that is what I thought.

About a month ago I came across an opportunity of a lifetime. I went on a cruise with my mom and heard about a ministry in Mozambique, Africa called Iris Harvest School of Missions, founded by Heidi and Rolland Baker (google them, you will be blessed). The first night I heard Heidi speak about her life and how she left everything she had to sit with the poor in Mozambique, Africa, my heart began to break. I cried and cried and cried because everything she said touched my heart and all I wanted to do was drop everything and go. That night she talked about a program that is offered over the summer...Iris Harvest School of Missions....and from that moment on, I knew my summer plans were about to change.

I was able to talk to Heidi three different times, each time telling her my passion for Africa, and each time she looked me in the eyes and told me I needed to come this summer, that I needed to come and sit with the poor....I said "ok". By the time I walked off the cruise ship I was so filled with joy because I realized that I was getting closer and closer to what I am suppose to be doing with me life, and that feeling is so amazing.

When I look at the bigger picture of my life I see myself in a place like Africa. My life by no means has been perfect. I have fallen again and again. I have let people down. I have walked down paths that I wish I hadn't, but to be honest I am glad that I did because I have grown into the person I am suppose to be, and I don't think I would be here today if I hadn't gone through what I have in the past, so I am thankful. I know that going to Africa this summer is just another step I am taking in my journey, and this is one step I am SO excited about. I know this is right, I am at total peace about going and the decision to go is constantly being confirmed in the most beautiful ways.

I will be spending the whole summer in Africa, ah can I say it again? I will be spending the whole summer in Africa. I leave May 27th and I return August 15th. I figured I would begin blogging now (my friend Kait told me that she would love to read about my preparations...so this is for you;) A lot has to be done in the next couple weeks, and thanks to my wonderful parents, things are getting done. I sent out support letters about two weeks ago and already I have been abundantly blessed, even more confirmation that this is right. My flights are booked, my passport is ready, my visa is in the mail to the Mozambique Embassy and my appointments for shots have been made...ah.

As for now, school is my top priority, I have two weeks left and I have to focus but I do want to blog as much as possible before I leave because this is so exciting for me and I want to keep you all updated when I am over in Mozambique! I really don't know how much Internet access I will have when I am there but I do plan to blog as much as possible.

I have about 6 weeks before I leave and in that time I would ask for two things. First is simply for prayer...this is going to be a crazy journey and I believe in the power of prayer...so if you think about it- I could use it;) Second, I want to spend these next couple of weeks in Chicago with people that I love, so please get in contact with me..coffee...breakfast...lunch.....you name it, I would LOVE to spend time with YOU before I go.

Thank you for taking some time to read this blog...this is my first blog EVER so it is so fun and I am so happy that you are apart of it:)

" Don't ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Howard Thurman