WHOOOHOOOO....

Today is the day! Nine long months of preparation and I finally leave today. :) Ahhhh.... Can't even begin to describe all of the emotion that I am feeling. I know that I am so ready to face all that I will experience while in Africa. God's prepared my heart and I know I go in with the armor of God and that He goes before me.

I will be trying my very best to update as often as I can and will be adding pictures when I return.

Mucho love!!
Kelli



*** Mama and Daddy - You two could very well be the only two reading this! :) And that is ok. You are really the reason why I'm set up this blog. Just going to assure you that I love you and will back VERY soon. :)

The sweetest thing...

...is realizing that God has blessed me immensely by bringing people into my life who have all challenged, cared, prayed, encouraged and stood with me through every season of my life. This past year I've been overwhelmed at the outpouring of love that many (prob. you reading this) sweet family members and friends have bestowed upon me. I am certainly who I am today b/c of these people in my life. They, from the very beginning to now, have prayed for and with me in every area of this trip. From the decision to go, raising funds, preparation and all the way to me (in 3 weeks) setting foot back on US soil...these people have been vital in my life and to this trip. So, from the very bottom of my heart...thank you. I love you and there are MAJOR treasures being stored in heaven for you.



Kelli

Prayer Request: As you have been praying and continue to pray for me through every step of this trip I ask that you also begin praying for my Camp Life Partner. This is a local Zambian who will be assigned with me to play a vital role in interpreting and reaching out to the children each day. Basically, he or she (not sure yet) will be my partner every day and night while at camp. What an important role that they will play not only in my experiences in Zambia but also for the children.

Last one...

So I got my final shot today. I think the official count is 7 in all. Now all I need to do is to get started on my malaria medicine and I am good to go!

Prayer Request - The health of everyone involved with Camp Life. As well as the children who will be attending camp each week. This is something they have looked forward to for about a year. Also for the health of the country itself. Zambia is one of the highest countries in Africa affected by AIDS and HIV. Many of the children have not only lost parents but all family members b/c of this disease.

Will the packing ever end?

And so this is what my apartment has been reduced to...

I knew the whole packing process for a trip that is 3 weeks long and international would be hard....but WOW I don't think this will ever end...

My goal is to have EVERYTHING done by Friday evening. Cross your fingers! ;)

Prayer Request: Pray that my team and I don't have any problems in receiving our luggage. Let's hope it ALL gets there on time.

This is where it all started...

I found this picture on my camera tonight. I thought that the stained glass in the church where my sister was married was absolutely beautiful. I remember taking pictures of almost every single window. And as I turned around to leave, I looked up and almost missed this beautiful piece....



I think that this symbolizes my journey in the best possible way...Alpha and Omega. Jesus is the beginning and the end....



He certainly was the one who put a passion in my heart many many years ago to for the hurting and lost of the world. He was the first to confirm this trip to Africa. And so I just need to be reminded that in the midst of the stress and the packing and the anxiety of leaving...He is there. He's not going anywhere. In fact, He'll lead me each step and walk before me through every circumstance.