It is hard to believe that we are at the three week countdown point! On the afternoon of Mother's Day, Alli and I will be flying out of Birmingham, on our way to Johannesburg, South Africa. We can hardly wait and are so grateful the time is approaching quickly.
Here are a few updates:
We have now received even more amazing dresses to deliver to the team in Swaziland. One friend's church took up money and bought 40 dresses, and are also contributing money to help us with extra baggage expense if that is needed. We are very encouraged and touched at the ministry to us and our friends, by people we don't even know!
We continue to receive financial support and are blessed that many have been generous to aid us in getting to Africa, and are donating so that we may bless the missionaries' families, and also the economy of Swaziland, by purchasing needed items in country, which further stimulates their economy.
Quick story for your entertainment and the sheer cute factor:
My four year old, Elijah, has been lamenting the fact that he doesn't really have any money to contribute toward my trip. He will say at bedtime frequently, that he's sad, because he wants to give me "money for Africa." Today, while I was gone, James texted me to say that Elijah was excited since he'd found some change on the bathroom counter and was going to give it to me. Sure enough, as soon as I got home, I was instructed to close my eyes while he held his little hand out, and then told me to look. He was so very proud of that $.11 he found, and told me, "Look Mom! It's for your Africa trip!!" Whew, I was just blown away at his joy and enthusiasm and desire to help me.
Many of you have given amounts of varying size, and they are all appreciated. Every bit goes to minister to a people in need, and we are tremendously grateful. Unless you have been in the position to raise support like this (I never have before), you cannot imagine how humbling and truly dependent on God it will make you, and also, how touching it is to have dear friends, and complete strangers, give you money. There are no words to describe how loved and encouraged we feel by each of you, who have prayed, emailed, and given items or money toward this venture. THANK YOU.
A couple of reminders and new info too! Up for auction next are these two items donated by friends. You may bid below in the comments. We will take bids until midnight Monday night!
First auction item is this gift basket with nice bath and body products. This would make a great Mother's Day gift! It's from World Market and contains a sisal sponge, wooden massager, and nail brush with pumice stone, Sicilian Orange cream body wash, bar soap and bath salts in a cute basket.
The next item is this great photo scrapbook and it is new with tags. The set contains over 125 stickers, 10 pages, and comes with 12 8" x 8" coordinating papers.
The bid on this set is at $15.
I cannot believe it's only 3 weeks away! Love you both and praying hard for God to continue to guide, bless, and provide.
ReplyDelete$15 for
ReplyDeletethe bath and body set
-Tara Murphy