August Email Update

(Email Update sent September 1st)

Hi!

August flew by! Now it's September and my countdown to leaving begins. In 16 days I will be leaving for Kenya. It's very exciting, but scary at the same. I don't know all that God has in store for me, but I am walking in faith – trusting in Him to provide. My time in Sudan really prepared me for living in Africa long term. I have learned to be flexible (still learning actually) and am trying to go with the flow. Things can change so quickly, but I am relying on God to lead the way.

Preparations for leaving have gone well. In fact, I am pretty much ready to go I just need to pack (which I am waiting until the last week) and do a few other little things. Thank you to everyone who has purchased supplies for me. I really appreciate it. Next week I will be visiting a life long friend of mine in Las Vegas and then when I come back it's crunch time. I will doing all the last minute things that will inevitably come up and trying to see as many people as possible.

Ministry Update – last week I met with the leaders of Africa Harvest of Hope. They currently support an orphanage in Tanzania and are working on various other projects to help malnourished children. It seems like this may be a good long term fit for George and me. Both of us have a heart for kids in need and they are in need of administrative and logistical help. We are praying about how we can be helping this ministry and asking God if this is where He is calling us to go.

Meanwhile, I am looking forward to the next few months in Kenya. I am hoping to start learning the language as soon as possible. If God wants us there there long term, it's important to speak in the language of the people we are serving. Plus, I need to learn how to cook Kenyan food and other skills that will be handy in the future. I have no idea what our living situation will be wherever we end up. I could be in a house with no running water or electricity so I need to know how to get by. It seems like the charcoal oven (aka my nemesis) may be making a reappearance in my future!

I have had people ask me how my support is going. Truthfully, I don't know! I have received some support while I have been home, but it is a fraction of what I had been raising before. Many people weren't sure what to do while I was in transition and figuring out what to do next. I am hoping to rebuild that support as I leave and hope people join with George and me and catch our vision as we reach those in need. I completely am trusting God to provide. He knows what we'll need to accomplish His will so I am not stressing about it. If you would like to send a one time donation or monthly, please visit my blog to see where to send them. The blog address is

http://www.thisisstaciesblog.blogspot.com/

We also need committed prayer warriors and would appreciate your prayers so much. Here are a few prayer requests:

1. Strength & peace as I prepare to leave many loved ones.
2. Safe travel and smooth visa acquisition
3. Wisdom as George and I combine our lives and seek long term ministry placement.

Thank you for your support, prayers, encouragement and help. Remember to check my blog for more information, stories, photos and prayer requests. I don't do Facebook so my blog is the best way to stay connected.

God Bless,
Stacie