I finally feel like I can share, although I've only been sitting on this information for about 15 hours now, it's hard to hold it in and I know that God has confirmed that this is the right thing for me over and over and over (I kept asking for more)!
I'm going to Africa! Ghana to be exact! I'm going with I.N. Network. We are going to visit the Trokosi women, slaves to cultic priests that are serving time to atone for some "sin" that a male family member has commited (the girls can be as young as 5 years old). IN Network helps free these women and has had wonderful success. It's a huge relief program involving: gaining relationships with the priests, setting up agricultural projects for them once they free the girls ((b/c if they choose to free thier girls they are also letting go their free workforce). IN NEtwork also provides vocational training for the freed slaves since they have recieved no schooling. They want them to be able to provide for them and their many children (given to them from the priests as early as age 11-12 years old). IN NETwork also puts the slave women childrens in school, health care, biblical studies and food.
How did this come about you ask... well it was quick! I know it is meant to be, God has told me in so many ways, I am going with a friend (God knew I would never do something like this alone), the living conditions are supposed to be pretty nice, (no risk of mosquitos/malaria, running water, flushing toilet, twin beds etc) (God knew that anything to rustic would have been quite hard for me to swallow), it is a short trip, only 7 days and that's with travel (don't want to be gone from the kiddos for to long). I know that God has been telling me to go, he has really softened my heart to Africa, sparking my curiosity and desire to learn more, he softened Matt's heart to the whole idea, there is room on the trip (which, did I mention is April 30-May 6, tenatively?), and a few other things that I won't even attempt to explain! I know that this is where God wants me to go!
I need to come up with a portion of the trip price through sponsorships yet and while I hate to do that kind of thing I know that where God is guiding he will provide! My biggest request for support right now is prayers for the group and myself as an individual, both leading up to and during the trip!
If anyone else is interested in going I know when I talked to the women at IN Network yesterday there were still openings, let me know and I can get you the contact information! It is a small group so I don't know how quick it will fill up! I'm a little nervous for the 12 hour plane ride, but I guess it's better than it was a year ago where travel took 24 hours because there was no direct flight!
Oh yeah... and I just found out that landon's first game at the basketball tournament on Saturday is at 7:30 am... they have to be there at 7:00! HOW CRAZY INSANE IS THAT????
8 comments:
That is just totally awesome Lynette. This is something that will make you feel significant (just remembering some time ago you blogging about how you felt like doing more than just staying home with kids - although you know I think that that is a hard job in and of itself!) and awesome! Can't wait to hear more about it!
OMGoodness!!! Good for you girl!! I am so proud of you!!! What an amazing thing to do and what an experience it will be!! It has always been a dream to do something sililar to this, but I always chicken out. I almost need to be pushed and shoved into it. SO, I really commend you for taking that leap!AWESOME!! You will be in my prayers!!!
P.S. Thanks for the heads up on BSF, I may check that out. :)
Wow. This is really cool! You will probably be a different person when you return! I'm so excited for you!
YAY for you- glad this has become a reality instead of a dream. Interesting to read about what you will be involved in while there- important work for sure!
Ummm.... yeah- that is a little early for a basketball game. I actually think I get to sleep in this Saturday...for once. Oh yeah- we have an open house, so won't be sleeping it too long!
Congratulations! You are truly going to be blessed by the work that you are going to do there! I can't wait to hear how it goes. My prayers are with you as you prepare and while you are gone.
One of my good friends works at IN Network. Keely Lehr...you might have talked to her.
How exciting! This sounds like such a fantastic program; how cool to be part of such a life-changing organization. (Hmmm... why do I get the feeling it'll be just as life-changing for you? :) Have you done any short-term missions before? So excited for you! (And congrats on the TWO offers on the St. Joe house, too! What a week, and it's only Wednesday!
What a cool opportunity! I hope everything goes well. Let me know if you are in need of some $ to help you out, I would love to donate to the cause...
I am so excited for you! I tried to leave you a comment yesterday but for some reason I couldn't! I definitely want to help out with the kids when your gone!
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