And then I go to Africa

Compassion Bloggers: Tanzania 2012A little over two years ago I sat in front of my computer screen and cried. Hot tears rolled off my chin and onto the keys. It was the first time I had seen Compassion in action and I was so deeply moved by the stories and images coming out of India.

As I read, and our family began sponsoring a child, something ignited inside of me. I wanted to be a part of this movement of storytelling to change a child’s life. And I began to pray a simple prayer every single day.

Lord, use my gift and passion to Your glory and not to my own.”

I wanted to be a part of something bigger than just myself. I wanted to give back an offering through the words that stir my soul. I wanted to just do something.

It’s no secret that I have the deepest and utmost respect for the ministry of Compassion International. What they do for children around the world inspires and moves me deeply and it’s been an honor to write about them in the past whenever the opportunity arose.

But now…well, honored seems too small a word. I’m humbled. Deeply, deeply humbled to be a part of this ministry in a new and exciting way. For two years I have read the words of bloggers whom I admire as they give the world a glimpse into what Compassion does for children from India to Kenya to the Philippines to Ecuador.

And all the while I’ve prayed for an opportunity to be able to tell stories in a way that honors the One who gave me the words. As I prayed, I knew that I would someday have the chance to do this thing I so desired. I just didn’t know in which capacity it would take shape.

I am thrilled to be a part of the upcoming Compassion Bloggers trip to Tanzania. Thrilled and honored and humbled and a little nervous.

Thrilled because I love a good adventure.

Honored that Shaun had the confidence in me to allow me this opportunity.

Humbled that the Lord would choose to answer my prayer in this way and that He would grant me the opportunity to do what I love with an organization that I am passionate about.

And nervous because Shaun mentioned something about an in country flight and he said it with this sort of half smile on his face like he knew something I didn’t. I’m also nervous because I’m pretty sure I’m going to need a few immunizations and I generally do all I possibly can to avoid needles at all costs.

Including give birth to three children naturally because I FEAR THE NEEDLES. And when I say I fear them, what I mean is I usually faint…and sometimes seize…when I get a shot.

It’s super neat.

I am truly grateful and thankful for this opportunity and I hope that you all will join me on this journey and invite your friends along. We’re all going together to see and hear and experience the ministry of Compassion as they vigilantly work to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name.

Will you come with us?

Comments

  1. I can’t wait to go on this journey with you! I know I will be blessed just seeing it through your eyes! I will be praying you through needles, crazy flights and all. 🙂

  2. Oh, Kelli, to “know” someone who is going is just so amazingly awesome! I am so excited for you! I CAN NOT WAIT TO HEAR ALL ABOUT IT!

    I discovered Shaun and Kristen from We Are That Family by chance 2 years ago, when I felt led to sponsor a child, which was weird because I didn’t even know that was possible. I was asking if anyone had heard about Compassion, because somehow I had come across an ad after feeling like I was supposed to sponsor. Then my sister said “are you following the Compassion Bloggers trip?” WHAT? WHAT!

    Oh my gosh. I have butterflies in my stomach for you!

  3. KELLI! This is amazing! I am such a fan of Compassion – and an avid follower of their blogging trips – as well, and I’m excited beyond words for you!

  4. I echo all of the above! I KNOW God is going to do amazing things in and through you!

  5. mel cable says

    oh, kelli, this is so huge! When is the trip? We have good friend right this minute on a compassion trip meeting their child they have sponsored for 15 years, he is now graduating out of the program at 18 and while there they hope to personally meet the child they will sponsor next. Her brief emails telling what is going on are so exciting, I can’t imagine what it would be like with your gift of words! I am so deeply proud and thrilled for you.

    • Thank you, Mel! The trip is in early May. I can’t wait to tell the story. My heart is full. Love you!

  6. I’ve been doing the little girl squeal happy dance for you every time I think of this. Want me to come to your immunization appointment and get cool photos of you fainting? Cuz I think that’s nifty blog fodder. Or I could just hold your hand. Your call.

    • I have been taken down more than once at a doctor’s office with her. Make sure she is laying down if you hold her hand!!! We will have to pray her through this part of the trip!

  7. Kelli, I’m so excited for you! I’ve loved following these trips and can’t wait to read all about your travels!!

  8. Wonderful! Can’t wait to read the stories. Such important work.

  9. This is awesome! I’m thrilled for you. And can’t wait to be there with you all through your words as you experience it!