Uncharted - you can say that AGAIN!

Last week, I was feeling very overwhelmed.  Fundraising is HARD, fundraising for a mission trip is even harder!  As of last Sunday, I had $1600 to meet my first fundraising goal of $2,200!  

I felt like maybe it wasn't meant to be and maybe I wasn't going to be going to Africa  after-all  little did I know - God had a big week planned for me.

I decided to just sit back and watch what was meant to happen, happen.  I had two fundraisers in place last week and I had the wheels in motion.  I vowed in prayer to give it my ALL last week and if I gave it my ALL, then all that was left to do was to sit back and watch God make it happen!  He can do great things ya know?  

I loaded up my car with loads and loads of people's donations for either the garage sale or kids consignment sale and BAM - sales were great!  Like, HUGE great!  

Drum roll please...

Garage sale: $502!

Kids sale: $347!

Donations from friends/family last week alone: $250!

SO, now here I am a week later and BAM, I went from $1600 needed to only $400 left! 

I went to church Sunday and it was one of those days where I left and shook my head  with a smile on my face thinking "ok, God...yup, that was meant JUST for me".

I tried to get a clip from Sunday's sermon on here to share...just the clip that had such a huge impact on me.  BUT, me and technology - welp, we have a love/hate relationship (and tonight...it's sleeping on the couch!)  The message was mainly about being obedient in your Faith.  It is a great message on taking the next step when you feel you are being called (and the kicker)...even when it means no sense to you.  Of course, this can apply to any step of Faith.  The message was so directly connected to this missions trip though it was amazing!  I have always wanted to go on a short term missions trip, until last year I had no idea really how or what was involved.  A friend planted the seed (and went first which is super helpful) and when the opportunity arose, I jumped at the chance!  I know it will be life changing for me, but it is a scary thing to do!  I would be lying if I didn't say I am a bit scared.  Scared of my safety, my kids and being so far away from them for 10 days, and another BIG fear is what I will see, feel, live while I am there.  These kids are going to change my life way more than I will change theirs , this I know for sure!  However, I can hardly wait to hug them, talk to them and do by best to share the story of Gods love.  

When Pastor George paused and said (paraphrasing)"sometimes you don't know why you are going or it seems very overwhelming to do what is being asked, but if you go to the area that is Uncharted, you will know what was meant for you".  Basically, "Kendra, stop over thinking...GO.  Stop worrying....PRAY.  Stop holding back...FOLLOW."

It was powerful and SO SO fun to watch!

Uncharted is about the BEST word I could use to describe this trip!  Africa??  I haven't been anywhere but Mexico as far as out of country...and, Ethiopia?  It is something SO different, SO new and yet SO important.  I want to give to these orphans!  Can you help me get there?  

I am making ONE.FINAL.PUSH. and starting a Pledge Drive today and tomorrow!  I need 30 people to donate $14.00!  Donate and I will also throw in a Qdoba card for the first 20 people! 

I am SO close, I can feel it! 

$14.00 is it.  Skip coffee, dessert or lunch out?  I promise, after this first BIG push...I am only doing two small fundraisers and they are super fun, easy and you GET something for  the money, I promise! ;)  

So, can you be 1 of my 30?

www.visitingorphans.org

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Lee Team - July Ethiopia

When it asks you if you want to donate to a specific person ***SELECT yes*** Kendra Lanterman

And, THANK YOU!!  Love you people!  MWAAA!