The "planned" itenerary

Wow...time is going by so quickly. I probably keep saying that each time, but it is so true :)

Steps completed:
1) Sent in our deposits to SWBMA last week
2) Sent off for Alley's passport (yay!)

Yesterday we recieved the planned itenerary from Scott (Director @ SWMBA). I want to share this with you because I know you will be praying for each step and continue to prepare us for this journey.

June 7 Thursday Depart DFW 4:45 PM on American Airlines
June 8 Friday Arrive London 7:50 AM, Depart at 10:20 AM on Kenya Air

DFW to London:



London to Entebbe:



June 8 Friday Arrive Entebbe (via Nairobi) 11:20 PM, Spend night in Uganda
June 9 Saturday Travel to Karagwe, Tanzania (all day), arrive at supper time
June 10-13 Sun-Wed Stay at Guest House in Karagwe, ministry includes visiting and doing evangelism in the villages, leading revival services, teaching students and children, and helping churches as needed.
June 14-17 Thus-Sun Travel to Bukoba and start ministry: church leadership conference, women’s conference, student conference, visit in area churches, do evangelistic work in Bukoba and Nshamba.

This is what it will look like once we leave Uganda:



June 18 Monday Rest, catch evening boat across Lake Victoria
June 19-21 Tues-Thurs Safari – drive through game parks, 2 nights in lodges
June 21 Thursday Arrive Arusha, clean up and shop, catch 7:40 PM flight home on Kenya Air to London (via Nairobi).
June 22 Friday Arrive London 6:45 AM, Depart on American Airlines 9:30 AM
June 22 Friday Arrive DFW 1:25 PM

So what is next? Well, time to start shopping for clothes to wear, we don't own many skirts or polos. So we will be dropping in the goodwill locations between now and then. Also, need to get shots out of the way, Hep. A and Tetanus :)

Total for the trip is $3,500 (each)

Thanks to SWMBA they have provided $400 for each of us as a sponsorship! How awesome is that! Nothing like getting us off on the right foot!

So with that our new total is $3,100 (each)

Continue to pray as we work towards our next payment due date (see below schedule).

Payment Schedule


January 9 - $100 (paid)
January 30 - $1000
March 15 - $1000
May 25 - $1000

I wanted to make the dollar sign into a God sign :) I have complete faith we will meet these deposit schedules with no stress, or worry.

There will be a maximum of 20 people from local churches on this trip. Please continue to pray for us as we prepare our hearts.

Thank you again for all of your prayers and support!

"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matt. 6:33

It's getting close...

So I can't believe how fast time is flying!




We are about 6 months away from our trip. I have some sad news to share, Terry will not be joining us on this journey :(
He doesn't feel that God has given him the "go" for this trip. However, I'm so blessed to have a godly man who has the faith that allows Alley and me to still go. So once again, I have not heard God tell us no! I'm so excited!

Alley and I have been working on some Swahili words. Last week was "thank you" "asante" because I feel like we will be saying that a lot. It was a piece of cake to learn. Today she asked me how to say "You're welcome" it is "wewe ni kuwakaribisha" :) Needless to say we are butchering it...lol.

Also, we have officially confirmed our spots for the trip with Scott Whitson, Director of Missions (SWMBA). We will be sending in our deposits this week. He shared with us the possible options he is praying about for the time we are there. One of those include going to a different area called Bukoba, this would be the first time the SWMBA group has worked missions here.

Plans for this week: We will be sending off for Alley's passport on Friday! We figured it would be perfect timing with the Christmas break and my day off to go knock this off our list.

Next on our list will be our next deposit due the mid-end of January. Please continue to pray for God's provision.

In addition, pray for the Team currently being built for this trip, for the hearts of those we minister too, our hearts as we prepare, safety for travel, for only the light of Jesus to shine from each one of us!

"If the Lord delights in a man's way, He makes his steps firm."

Mungu ni mwaminifu!!

Ok for those who don't use Google translate "God is faithful!"

"For the Word of the Lord is right and true; He is faithful in all He does." Psalm 33:4

Well, as you know I kicked my AVON business back into action a few months ago in hope to use my earnings to go toward our Tanzania trip. I've appreciated each one of your supports during this time! I started building my own Team (Unit) near the end of August and became an official Unit leader last campaign. To make this short, I receive bonuses as my Team places their orders. These are the checks that go straight to our Tanzania Fund. As of yesterday that was $100 (over 2 months) but today I received 2 checks for $100!!!! So $200 in bonuses!! I'm so excited! God is soooooo good!

I'm so glad all of the hard work has paid off however, it's a continuous effort. I need your prayers as I need to have 5 Team members placing orders every time. I have one who has now dropped out so I need to replace her quickly or I will risk starting over :(

I know God has gotten me this far in my business and it's only in His plan I will continue to succeed.

"Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies." Psalm 36:5

Please continue to pray for us as we prepare for this journey.

The date is set!

Last Monday, We received the email we've been waiting for, the dates for the 2012 Tanzania trip are tentatively set for June 7- June 23rd. This is just another "Yes" in my book as the dates fall perfectly so we are able to go. If it was one-two more days forward my job would keep me from going as it would fall in a week were no PTO policy stands. God has been so faithful through this journey!

So what's next?

Let the planning begin!

1) Continue Praying: Please pray for a discerning spirit, financial assistance and peace.

2) Preparing: I plan to send off for Alley and Terry's passports so that is out of the way. I actually already have one, so that saves some $$

3) Funding: I've started up my AVON business again in full force to help finance this trip. I can already see God's hand over it too!

Thanks again for joining us on this journey! I can't wait to see what God has in store!

"Direct me in the path of Your commands, for there I find delight. Turn my heart toward Your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to Your word." Psalm 119: 35-37

Our new addition to this journey...

Yes it's true!! We would like to introduce to you Yanini Abdalah Lolence.

She is 6 yrs old and lives in Tanzania. She is an only child who lives with her mother. Unfortunately she lives in a community severly affected by Aids. We don't have any information on her father.

How did Yanini become a part of our family?

Well, it's been on my heart to sponsor a child for months now, just kept thinking "I'll wait until we can afford it" Wow that sounds the same that many say about having kids too! I was talking to a good friend one day, who already sponsors a child, and she shared with me her thoughts "If we can't afford $35 a month, something is wrong anyways" I completely agree!!

Then last weekend I went to Women of Faith with a great group of ladies from my Church and some of my best friends. Each year during Women of Faith, which I've lost count on how many times I have been now, they provide information on how to support children through World Vision sponsorships. During the time Mary Graham shared the stories of World Vision I text'd Alley and told her to log on and pick out a child to sponsor with Taylor. That's all I said...I wanted them to pick the gender, age and where. It was important to me that they choose a child they felt God showed to them. When I got home the next day I found this sweet girl saved in the World Vision checkout cart waiting for me to complete the sponsorship. I couldn't wait!!!

So I bet you are wondering how Yanini ties into this incredible journey we have been on... well, hello...she lives in Tanzania!! How exciting it was to see that God showed us through this sponsorship the heart of our entire family.

Her packet came in the mail yesterday so I sat Taylor down to share our good news with her and Yanini's story. Taylor was excited too she really wants to send her a doll because the information shared said Yanini likes to play with dolls. Of course we cannot ship a doll but can ship other small items. So she picked out some hair bows today and we are going to write and draw our first set of letters to Yanini and her mom. Stay tuned as we share this part of our journey with you.

Pray for:
Yanini and her mom's health, provision of food, etc...
Our first big donation to Yanini and her mom. I'm looking to send money for some livestock to help provide food.
Continue to pray for our mission trip, finances, support, etc...

Thanks again for listening and praying!!

Nothing is impossible with God. Luke 1:37

What does it really mean?

In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9

I read this verse tonight and thought how great our God is to lead me to it during this time of what feels like the "unknown" So what does having real faith mean? We know the definition is believing in what we cannot see, but really...what does it mean to believe that the Lord will determine our steps? It's not unknown at all, how awesome is He!

I apologize for the long delay between posts, however not too much new to share. Our Assoc. Pastor and Deacon returned safetly from their trip to Tanzania. They shared many stories and pictures with our Church a few weeks ago and can see what a humbling experience it has been for them. Oh and how many lives they touched with the hands and feet of Jesus, I wish I could share their stories with you, but know it just wouldn't be the same as hearing from them personally. I can only share a few tips I learned 1) dereva polepole- swahili for driver slow...much needed for the bus ride :) 2) don't plan on petting the tigers no matter how close they get 3) need to invent an inflatable bucket (with a hole at the top)..TMI 4) don't ask for a taco to eat.

My excitement was already very high at the beginning of this journey, however now I can see clearly what plans God has for my family. If you don't know there is a different in what I want and what God wants for me as well as my family. My excitement doesn't mean anything if God doesn't already have it in His plans. This has been my prayer since the beginning.

Our Sunday School lesson today reminded us of His commandment not to worry (Matt. 6:25 34). I always tell our youth that I'm not throwing stones because I fail everday. Thankful, by His grace He is always there to pick me up.

Please join me as I pray to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.

As 2012 approaches, below are my prayer requests:
Seeking His wisdom and guidance
Providing a path and keeping doors open
Praying for open hearts
Peace for the financial care

If you haven't received one of Alley's letters, please let me know and we will get one to you. She is just as excited about sharing this journey. I think so many of our youth need to be reminded how truely blessed they are and how they too can be the hands and feet of Jesus.

Thanks again for all of your continued support.

Prayers for 2011 Mission trip

Well it's that time! Our Assoc. Pastor Jimmie Neel and Deacon Rick Urbanovsky start their Tanzania mission journey tomorrow. They will be going with a team of 20 from SWMBA (Southwest Metroplex Baptist Assoc) representing six Churches.


What will they be doing there? They will be conducting a leadership conference for church leaders, a women's conference, weekend revivals as well as visiting local schools and villiages.


Oh and I heard something about Rick leading music? Nice...You go Rick!

Jimmie will be sharing "Mimi nataka kukuambia juu ya Yesu wangu. Yesu ni Bwana!" (Swahili)
Translates "I want to tell you about my Jesus. Jesus is Lord!"

Please join me, if you haven't already as our family prays for this team in the coming 17 days.

Prayer request from SWMBA:
*Pray that God's people will be encouraged, the lost will be saved, and safety for the team.

I can't wait to hear how God uses each team member!

"It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; He enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You give me Your shield of victory, and Your right hand sustains me; You stoop down to make me great." Psalm 18: 32-35

We love you guys!! Be safe and continue being the hands and feet of Jesus!!!

Faithfulness..God is good!

It's been awhile since the last post so I wanted to be sure and share with you the progress of our journey. When I thought about what I should post today, the first thing that came to my mind was faithfulness. It's been two months since we kicked off this journey with 2 sets of letters mailed so far, but wow the faithfulness of those supporting us today! It's just amazing! I thank God for people like you! Faithful in prayer and giving, we are truely humbled.


When you hear the word "faithfulness" who comes to your mind? Of course first on my list is God and through Scripture we see His Word is True, Hebrews 6:18. Every Convenant He made is kept. Today the word faithful is tossed around so much I wonder is anyone really understands what it means anymore? On TV, Newspapers, etc...we see the unfaithful get attention. You'd think it was just the norm....so sad. Ok so the very sad part is that we watch and read the stories on these unfaithful examples, so wow...which is worse? Talk about self reflection...I needed this.

How about some Biblical examples of faithfulness? We can list many from the Old Testament Noah, Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Elijah and Elisha, David, Daniel and others. However the New Testament brings to us our supreme example The Lord Jesus Christ. Just taking the time to remind myself of those makes me even more humble to you who are faithful to today and tomorrow!!!

"Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you. They have told the Church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God." 3 John 1:5-6

Well it's about time to send out the 3rd round of letters. I've been praying about who will be in this group and pray God opens hearts. These are times I tend to let my pride get in the way of God's plans. It's really something I have to stay focused and not let negative thoughts come into my mind.

Please continue to pray for our Associate Pastor Jimmie as his trip is getting really close. Pray for peace for him and his family and for a safe trip. Side note...I hope he brings some Tanzania air back for Alley :)

...til next time!!!

Praises and updates!

I want to start by thanking you for you prayers on my request for our Assoc. Pastors' trip this year. Our Church NRRBC has fully sponsored his trip for this June. This is a wonderful blessing and praise! He will be going from June 15th to July 1st so please continue to pray for him as he prepares.

We've learned a little more about what to expect for our trip. The exciting part...ok so not really, all ladies will be wearing long skirts only (well of course not only, but for the lower half option..lol). So we will be starting our shopping soon...Goodwill here we come :)

An update from our side: Alley and I completed our first mission requirement. We volunteered at Open Doors Food bank on Saturday. It's such a tremendous blessing!! We helped with some preparation bagging Chex Mix for about an hour and a half, then worked the line loading bags of Cheese Puffs for 2 and half hours. How fun it is to see the kids eyes light up as we head their way with those bags...lol It's the little things!!! I would encourage each of you to volunteer some time. They always welcome anyone who comes whether to be a blessing or receive a blessing.

Also, we did finally get the 2nd set of letters mailed out...yay!

As always, many thanks to all who are joining us on this journey. "Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up" Gal 6:9

It's about that time

Yes, about time to get started on another round of letters. This will be our project for the week. Please continue to pray for those letters sent out in the first round. Also, be in prayer for the 2nd list as it comes together. This are times we have to humble ourselves and let down our pride. I think of all those God brings up along side of us for love and encouragement. How about those He brings up along side for assistance? Sometimes we are too prideful to take the "help" due to denial or just plain selfishness.

My favorite story in the Bible is Moses going to bring the Israelites out of Egypt. Out of all of the signs and promises of God, Moses still questions himself and God. Wow, how we continually do this today. I wonder if I would trust God if He every chose to speak to me through a burning bush....surely I would, but oh the pressure. Would I be in jumping up and down saying "pick me!" "pick me!" or hiding in the back, looking down making sure I don't make eye contact. Wait...a burning bush? I don't think I'd be jumping at all. Moses already showed how brave he was in his test with God alone, but how awesome is our God to know we need help. He already had Aaron on the way up the hill before He even asked Moses. So I think about all of you who are already on your way up the hill to help us on this journey, oooh how awesome our God is!!!

I also want to share a mission project update from over the weekend. Saturday Terry and Ryan, along with several other NRRBC youth and members worked on a project with Cleburne's Christmas in Action Team. Those who helped with this project knocked out one of their mission requirements for the Tanzania trip as well as being a great blessing to the home owners. They worked on a house in Cleburne with few outside home improvements. Terry said he had a great time and was impressed with all the hard work each youth put out.

Alley and I missed this last mission opportunity, however I assist with a local food bank a few times a month and plan to use this as a substitute towards our requirement. With this I would love to give a shout out to Open Door Ministries, they bless Johnson County by providing food for families who are just down on their luck!

Alright, time to get busy on those letters....

First Response!

Hey, it's Alley!

I just wanted to share with you that I got my first response on the letters that I sent out a couple weeks ago today! I'm so appreciative of the person and the donation that they gave. It is such a blessing! I can't wait to see what God has in store for the future.

I am working on memorizing those Bible verses and learning about Tanzania so I can earn my way to going to Africa in the summer of 2012!

Stay tuned for the rest of the journey!:)

First set of letters

Well, they are printed and in the envelopes. Next step is stamping the return envelopes, stuffing it into the main envelope, then addressing, stamping and sealing them.

Now, the tricky part...Alley has her part to do. I'm about to give her the list of names and address for this set, and the instructions. I started think "ah this is simple" then reality hit me. How do I actually explain this and not hear "huh?" By no means am I belittling her, it's the normal teenage "huh?" moment...priceless.

Okay so I will give it a shot and let you know how it goes.

The response so far has been a true blessing. It's not only great to share this journey with everyone, but to honest feel like everyone cares and truly wants to support us is just awesome.

I posted a few pics I found of Tanzania, I hope I'm close to what it will be like. Wait who am I kidding, we are no way even close to that concept. I mean really, just the appreciation of a bath, a true bath is beyond what a picture can show. My friend Sherry said we will be prepared with dry soap...yes dry soap. I don't think I will every feel clean. Why is it that I can't wait to be humbled in this way?

Also, our Assoc. Pastor Jimmie mentioned an Internet Cafe as our possible life line. I'm not sure if there is only one or not. It would be cool if the picture I found is the one we will use.

Ok...I will get to this instruction delivery and plans to pray for them as they get mailed out tomorrow.

Lala salama (goodnight in Swahili)

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." Col. 3:17

Sharing the journey

Wow, so I'm so excited to share this journey with you. I want to start off by sharing some introductory information with you.

Our Church, Nolan River Road Baptist is sending our Youth group to Tanzania Africa in mid-summer 2012. My husband, Terry and I will be going as Youth leaders. Our oldest daughter Alley and nephew Ryan are a part of this youth group and will be going as well. Taylor will be staying with my parents during this time.

I want to first ask for prayer for our Associate Pastor Jimmie who will actually be going to Tanzania this June to help prepare for our trip next year. Please pray for him and his family during this time, pray for guidance and wisdom and of course protection.

In efforts to share our vision, Alley will be sending letters to family and friends about her thoughts and excitement on this journey too. We hope to start sending these letters out next week and would love to share this with you and your family. I want to share a piece of her letter with you.

"I want to see the cute little kids faces when we share Jesus with them. I want to come back and appreciate what we have, because they basically have nothing over there, and to them we seem like rich people."

Where is Tanzania?
Tanzania is a country in Central East Africa bordered by Kenya and Uganda to the North.

In preparation for this trip each participant has several requirements that must be met.

1) Learn some Swahili words.
2) Participate in at least 4 local mission opportunities before March.
3) Scripture memory.
4) Three essay assignments.

About our mission trip:

We plan to outreach to African teenagers and children through Backyard Bible Clubs and possible opportunities to speak in schools. We will be in country, at work for 8 days, on a safari reserve for one whole day and traveling (to & from) 6 days making the total trip around 15 days.

How can you help?

First and most important is pray. Pray for opened hearts, humbleness, protection, and more. We will also be hosting several fundraising events over this next year. I will update this blog as they are scheduled.

Follow this blog for more details and stories of God's blessings as we prepare for this trip. I will have Alley share some posts from time to time so you can see her heart as well. She will probably bring character to this blog for sure!

If you have been to Tanzania (or any other country on mission) I would love for you to share your story with us. So please feel free to comment.

Asante (Thank you in Swahili).

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14