Go!

Have you ever known something so deep inside your heart that it's a part of your everyday? Have you ever lived with the knowledge that someday all you long for will be a reality? I'm talking about the hope that has burrowed so deep in your heart that nothing can shake it. The knowing that one day, the desires of your heart will come true.

It was September 24, 1993 and I was invincible! I was working three jobs and putting myself through graduate school to get a Masters in Early Childhood Education. I loved where God had placed me. Jacksonville, Alabama was going to be my home forever, as far as I could see it. But, on that day in September something changed. God said I was going to Africa. It's that overwhelming feeling like He's got His thumb on you. So, the future as I knew it changed. A giant question mark was before me. Africa... how was I suppose to get there? One event after another put Africa in my path. Then I actually met a woman who was a missionary from Kenya. That was just another moment in her life, but for me it was a meeting from Him. I won't ever forget the moment I shook her hand. I had such great respect for her, and in her eyes I saw something that I felt. I saw a love for the people of Africa. She spoke with such strength. She spoke with such authority. She spoke from her heart, and through her God gave me a vision of the life He had for me.

So, in 1994 I went. I lived in Nigeria for two years teaching MKs (missionary kids). These were the little people that made me smile, kept me laughing, and taught me about life while I taught them history, math, and chess.

Life continued.... yada yada yada.... and I'm not in Africa anymore, and I won't be going anytime soon. (I can yada through 15 years, right?) However, as I live in the good old USA my heart still beats for the beautiful people on the other side of the ocean. One event after another continues to put Africa in my path. Will I go back? Oh, yes, you better believe it! When? Well, raising my fabulous four is my joy at the moment. But isn't it exciting to know that one day, I'll go back. When or where... that's not up to me, but it's going to be amazing! Want to come along?