AFRICA 2010

undefinable

2010-09-18T23:06:00.000-07:00

Africa. WE DID IT!!!! Some didn't think that this trip was possible. It happened. It was real. The results: priceless. Six lives were changed forever. Samantha described the trip the best, "the whole thing seems like a collage of beautiful, bright, character-defining moments. I think of preaching, singing and sweating out in the sun with beautiful, starving kids, and thinking that I had finally come to grips with my life. I think of the prayer walk and the things we saw that day and the way it changed the way my heart beats.... it was in moments like these where I realized that God was both so much bigger and so much simpler than I had ever seen. I, who still struggle with life and God, had been completely over-whelmed by the SIMPLICITY and whole heartedness of child like faith. It was one experience that really seared my heart, because now i cant say, "oh God is too confusing to understand, or God is too big". no. If they, children with nothing, can grasp the dimensions of God, then I, an American with everything, can surely grasp it as well." I love everything about what she said... which is why I put most of it in this post. I agree and feel the same way.
One of the coolest experiences of my life... working with five amazing, talented, youth from my church. Being able to process this trip with them, asking them to be vulnerable, to step up and lead worship, preach and pray over people....it changed all of us. I could not have asked for a more better and willing team. So eager to serve their Father and just love on His children.

I think everyone is slowly still processing their trip and it will come with time.. but i know the results were moving. God has big plans for each one of them. My prayer for them is that they continue to stay that spiritually in tune. If not, at least remember it so that they crave it and want to be back in that state of relationship.

for now.. this is all I have to say about the trip. More to come:)

BACK IN SAN DIEGO

2010-08-02T17:38:00.001-07:00

HI EVERYONE!!!

We are all home, alive and well! Had such an amazing two weeks in Africa and appreciate all the prayers, love and support! I will post pictures soon!

2010-08-02T05:19:00.001-07:00

Just landed safely in Washington DC. Doing well but very tired! We have a layover and then will be on our way home shortly! :)

The Village of Kibaoni

2010-07-25T03:56:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone!

We are now staying at Haven Nature which is so awesome! It is a beautiful camp ground, and we are staying in tents. yes tents. They are actually very nice and we have a great view! The first day we got here we were met by all the pastors of the community (which was an amazing blessing!) We were then able to minister to the people and the children of the community! They welcome us with open arms!
The next day we were able to go to different churches and minister to the different communities! God really moved with each of the churches we went to!

I will try to post soon! Thank you so much for the prayers and support!

God is doing great things!

MOSHI, Tanzania Days1-3

2010-07-22T11:46:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone!
We have arrived safely in Tanzania and are doing well! As soon as we got off the plane we went straight to Fountain of Hope where they welcomed us into the community with an amazing dance and song! They were so welcoming and sweet! Even though we were super tired from the long flight we were able to enjoy everything!
Our second and third day we were able to go into downtown Moshi, see all the different shops and experience that part of the town. It was alot of fun being able to get some fun souvenirs too! We went to the Nursery school where we introduced them to a few skits, songs and games. They loved David and Goliath... (yes they guessed it right when Andrea was David and Dylan was Goliath!)
We had them teach us some of their songs and games which was a fun experience for all of us. We were also able to go to New Life Foundations home and clean it out for a pastors retreat that will be coming up this weekend. We were so happy to be able to help that process along... it was a very dirty house:) The back yard to this house was at the foot of Kilimanjaro... we were able to hike down to a stream right at the foot. ( It was absolutely breathtaking)!!

Our next couple of days we will be going to a couple other orphanages and loving on the kids, playing games and showing them our skits. Its funny because I know we are ministering to them but I feel like they are ministering to us as well. These kids have so much passion for God and it is so evident when they worship. Eyes closed, hands raised, singing at the top of their lungs. AMAZING.

We will be going to Kibaoni Village on Saturday and be able to minister to children with different crafts and fun things that were donated.

Thank you all so much for your continued prayers and support! We appreciate it all!

I will try to post in the next couple of days

2010-07-19T06:34:00.001-07:00

On our way to africa! Please keep us in your prayers!

2010-07-19T03:05:00.001-07:00

Landed safely in DC... Now just waiting for our next flight! :)

2010-07-18T21:52:00.001-07:00

ON THE PLANE TO D.C.!!!

2010-07-18T21:10:00.001-07:00

Well I can't upload pictures so if you want to see them they will be on my facebook mobile uploads.

2010-07-18T20:44:00.001-07:00

ALL CHECKED IN and ready to go! Keep is in your prayers! Here's a picture of the team! :)

Upcoming Trip

2010-07-01T10:01:00.000-07:00

Our team will be traveling to Tanzania Africa in 17 days! We will be going to villages and orphanages bringing supplies, and getting the great opportunity to hang out with some of the kids in the area. We will be working with Ryan Helbling (our contact) as we visit Kibaoni, a village that has just heard the gospel for the first time. We will then be traveling to different orphanages/children's homes and sharing a little bit about ourselves. Doing some skits that we have practiced, sharing some songs, and handing out supplies. Our goal is to just allow these people to see a glimpse of who God is in our actions.
We will end the trip with an awesome safari to The Crater and a hike to an amazing waterfall.
Please continue to keep our team in your thoughts and prayers.