I should be in bed, but what do you expect? I have not blogged in so long! when you're inspired, you just gotta let it out, man.
As you may know, I am going to play with the giraffes and the lions this summer in Africa. Although it hasn't really hit me, it becomes just a little more real everyday. I will have lots more to come on this trip as I get closer to it, but while it is fresh on my mind I wanted to share part of the letter(slightly revised for the blog post) that I sent out to some friends and relatives because I was a little proud of it. You don't have to keep reading, but ya know.... It's right here if you want to.
Goodnight and sweet dreams
xoxo
Dear Friends and Family,
Matthew 28:19-20 says “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age.”
This summer, I have the opportunity to travel to Uganda with a group of my classmates. During this time, just a few of the things my group and I will be involved in include visiting an orphanage and various schools, including St. Francis School for the Blind, and connecting with the students there as well as worshiping with them in their churches. We will also be engaged with and learn from survivors of the Lord’s Resistance Army, children who were abducted and forced to be soldiers.
This was laid on my heart last summer and after much thought and prayer, God turned it into a calling. He has made it clear that he wants me to go with my school and leave my comfort zone to serve him. I want to serve God, I am ready and excited. I know that through this trip, my eyes will be opened and I will be strengthening not only my own faith, but also the faith of the people who I will be interacting with in Africa. your prayers are just as important as any other kind of support! Pray for me as I am nervous about going into the unknowns of this trip, pray for the people in Uganda,
Pray for my group, pray that we all stay healthy and that we all go into this trip with open minds and hearts ready to serve the Lord.
God is at work in my life and this trip is only one of the ways that his work is evident. I am being shaped and prepared each day, as well as learning to become the woman of God that I am called to be. I know that this trip will be something I will reflect on for the rest of my life. Thank you so much for your love, prayers, and support!
Grace and Peace,
Aubrey VanEerden
