So we have only got 29 days until we board a plane headed to Kenya! We are really getting excited and need to start packing and preparing. We have moved out of our apartment and into Granny and Gramps Stewart's house.
A few weeks ago we were able to go to Indy to a conference on the church and AIDS. The conference was hosted by CMF so we were able to meet many of the staff of CMF and one of the members of our team. We were definitely overwhelmed by the stories and statistics we heard about the AIDS pandemic in Africa. We were also challenged and excited to see how God is using all kinds of people to spread His love and provide hope throughout the world. We are glad to be a part of that. My brain certainly cannot comprehend the millions of people affected by HIV/AIDS; however, my heart can connect with the people in the stories the missionaries told at this conference. I know Tim and I will meet people this summer who will really touch our lives.
I guess all along I have know that we would be doing HIV testing, counseling, education, etc but I never really thought about what that looked like until we went to the conference. I was really struck by the fact that this summer we will probably be telling people they have HIV, we will be holding people as they are dying, we will be playing with children who are infected with HIV and/or have been orphaned by it. Are we ready for that? Is anyone really ever ready for that??
So please pray for:
*Tim and I as we prepare to go. Pray that we can get stuff ready and packed up. Pray for us to get the bills taken care of and all the other last minute things that I have probably forgotten!
*Pray for our families as they prepare for us to go.
*Pray for our team as they prepare to go. Pray that there will be unity among our team.
*Most importantly, pray for the preparation of our hearts. Pray that God will strengthen us to be able to do what needs to be done this summer, pray that we will be able to share His great love with many, pray that above all His name is glorified in all that we do. Pray for our hearts to continue to break for a world He loves. Pray that after this summer we will never be the same.
2 comments:
Hi Alicia, We have been praying for you and Tim as you prepare to leave for Africa. The people of Kenya will have a special gift in you - you so openly show your love and compassion. Have a great trip! We will continue to pray for you and for the people you will be working with.
Dave & Denise
Alicia- Kim gave me this blog address today. It's so exciting to hear about your trip. I kno wyou will do great things for the kingdom while you are there. We'll be praying for you and we'll wave to you from the top of Sipi Falls.
-Melissa Busby
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