Well I finally got the blog set-up!  This summer is getting away from me.  I can't believe how fast my trip is approaching.  I started this blog so i could journal my experience and how God is working in me throughout this trip.  I have thought about going on a mission trip over the past year or so, but i can't believe that I'm really doing it!  It is a true testament of how God uses each of us.  He has made it possible for me to believe that I can do this.  It started with two young kids (Peytan and Jesse) talking about how they wanted to be missionaries and serve the Lord.  They truly inspired me and got me thinking.  Then my SIS group read "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan and I realized I need to be doing more for others.  I am single, no children, and work from home so I have the ability to volunteer and do more than I do. 
So the journey began!  I started doing research on organizations and missions to go on.  I felt like doors were being closed and maybe it was God's way of telling me I needed to be doing work locally.  Until I spent a weekend in Natchez, MS with two of my closest friends.  Kyndee and I were having one of our late night chats when I shared with her my desire to want to go on a mission trip, but the struggles I was facing.  She then told me about her wonderful experience with ACE and put me in touch with Sandra.
I contacted Sandra at ACE at the beginning of April and got information on the organization and felt like I had finally found what God was putting on my heart.  Sandra and I talked back and forth for a month or so as i prayed and asked a few others to pray for me.  I was still not set on the time I would be able to go.  I was worried about being gone from work too long and leaving it all on my best friend/sister to handle on top of her busy life.  She of course reassured me this is what I needed to do and was being called to do.  Again, I prayed really hard on whether I should leave while work was busy or wait until things slowed down.  That's when the decision was made...i prayed one morning for God to make the decision for me and make it clear for me.  A few short hours later I was driving to STL and picked up the phone and started calling my family/life supports to tell them I was going in July and that I needed their prayers and support. 
Since May 20th things have came together from dates selected, money raised, two suitcases filled with items needed in Zambia, to the most humbling of all--love and support.  I can't thank my family and friends enough for all of the support, help, prayers, love, excitement.  I have felt so blessed and humbled and haven't even got on the plane to head over. 
I will try and update this blog throughout the next few weeks of getting things ready to head over and then once I am there I will update as much as possible to share my experience with you and to also let my mother know that i am ok.  Please pray for her--she is a bit scared for her "baby girl" to be across the world without her (yes I am 33 and will be 34 when i leave).  I wouldn't have it any other way!
I love you all and thank you again!  Off now to get the immunization shots--lets hope i don't pass out