Uganda or Bust

As you may have heard by now, 

this girl and I, along with our friend Erin, 

are heading to Uganda in May to serve with Sole Hope. 

(You can read more about the work Sole Hope is doing and why I think it's so very important here.) 

And we can't wait. 

But first, we've got to sell some t-shirts. 

If I've learned anything in the past few years, 

it's the fundraising is humbling. 

It's hard to put yourself out there and ask people to join you and stand beside you while you step out in faith to do whatever it is you believe you've been called to do. 

I wish you could see Libby's face every time someone places an order. 

It's like you rang our doorbell, looked her in the face, and told her, 

"I believe in you, and I support what you're trying to do."

If I've said it once, I've said it a hundred times: 

If you wanna make me feel loved, love my littles. 

And you guys are loving us so very well. 

The love has come pouring in from all across the country, 

and I seriously wish I could high five and fist bump each and every one of you. 

I've been to Africa five times. 

And each of those times, 

Libby has begged to come with me. 

But this time? 

This time, she will. 

And it's not too late for you to help us get there. 

Simply head HERE and purchase the shirt you're loving. 

And then imagine me  and Libby happy dancing in the kitchen. 

You only have until next Wednesday, February 15th to place your order. 

So run, don't walk. 

And thank you from the bottom of my mama heart. 

So I'm taking my daughter to Africa....

As you may have heard by now, 

Libby and I (and our dear friend Erin) are headed to Uganda in May....

and I absolutely can't wait. 

But while I'm over the moon excited and counting the sleeps until we leave, 

I'm sure that a few of you will raise an eyebrow at this news. 

In the six years since I fell in love with a land far, far away, 

I've pretty much heard it all. 

Why would you ever want to go back? 

How can it possibly be safe? 

Why don't you just serve here? 

( I won't even begin to talk about the things people have said in regards to our adoption; 

that's a post for another day.)

While I don't hear remarks like these as often any more, 

(Pretty sure people gave up on trying to convince me not to go back after the second, third, fourth, or fifth times....)

I don't doubt that there are people out there

(maybe even someone reading this now?)

who simply can't understand why I would take my twelve year old daughter across the world. 

Where do I even begin? 

I'm pretty sure I could talk about this for days on end, 

but for your sake,

I'll try to keep it simple. 

JESUS.

Yes, Jesus. 

God has called us to serve. 

He's told us to love our neighbors. 

He's told us to treat others as we would want to be treated.

And I am certain that the word 'neighbors' is limited to the people living next door. 

I want my children to know more than their own towns. 

I want them to see the ways other people live. 

Yes, materially many people we will meet will have less than us. 

But do material things equate happiness? Joy? Quality of life? 

I'm  pretty sure you know my answer. 

By seeing where and how other people live, 

we can better understand and empathize and relate to others. 

We become more aware of what matters. 

Our perspective shifts.

Our hearts stretch just a little bit bigger. 

I mean with all of my heart when I say I fully believe the greatest joy we can experience on this Earth comes from serving others, and if my daughters learn only one lesson from me as their mother, this is the one I hope they learn. 

God has called us to love. 

We are never too young to do that. 

As long as we are capable and able, 

we should serve others whenever and wherever possible.

It's our responsibility as Christians, 

as families, 

and as people. 

I can't wait for my daughter to experience the beauty that is Uganda. 

I can't wait for her to see more of this world that God has created. 

I can't wait for her to step foot in the land I love so dearly. 

I can't wait for to step outside of her comfort zone in the name of serving others. 

So yes, I'm taking my daughter to Africa....

and I absolutely cannot wait. 

Packing is an art. (#adoptionpackinglist)

Packing is my jam. 

I love it. 

The planning and organizing and strategically placing all the right things in all the right places-- 

I love all of it. 

Actually, I think it's the fact that I like being prepared. 

*NOTE: I'm writing this post before I bring my girl home b/c I have the time to write it now but plan on being too busy with her to write it when I get home. However, I will edit it to reflect any recommendations once we are home and settled. 

This will be my fifth trip to Africa, 

and I've learned a thing or two about what I really need versus what will waste space in my suitcase. 

And when I did some searching for African adoption packing lists, the posts were in short supply.

This will probably bore most of my readers, 

but it helps even one Africa-bound traveler or adoptive mom, 

then it will be more than worth the time it took to write it. 

Please note that I am not an over-packer. 

I know what I can get in-country and would rather not carry things I won't use. 

Okay, so first here's what I'm packing in: 

-1 large suitcase (This will weigh 50 lbs. or less and will be checked and stored under the plane.)

-1 carry-on, small suitcase (This has my adoption paperwork and enough food and clothes to sustain me and Evie should my check bag be delayed.)

-1 Kavu sling bag (This will be my personal item that will sit under the seat in front of me. It has all the things I will need on the plane in it.)

NOTE: This list will vary from one person to the next. Everyone has different food preferences, medical needs, and comforts of home. Also, the list will vary depending on the age of you child and whether he or she has any special needs or medical issues. My daughter is between 2-3 years old and has no known medical issues. 

Okay, so here's what's in each bag: 

LARGE SUITCASE: 

RANDOM ITEMS: 

-1 roll of paper towels 

-3 small washcloths

-2 towels (The towels in Africa are notoriously bad. I always take one with me to Africa and then leave it there. This frees up room in my suitcase for souvenirs.)

-1 hand towel (to use for washing my face, brushing our teeth, etc. This could also be used for cooking.)

- 2 travel packs of Lysol wipes

-2 packs of baby wipes

-1 package of disposable bowls (Bowls can be used in place of plates, but not vice versa. These are invaluable in Congo b/c the water isn't safe to drink or wash dishes with.)

- a few packs of disposable cutlery

- a few child-sized spoons and forks

-a sippy cup ( I suggest bringing two different styles in case your child prefers one over the other. Also, when I met Emily, she knew how to drink out of a regular cup and did so much better than my bio babies, but we needed a non-spill cup for when we were out and about, and I'll want one for Evie on the plane ride home.)

-a water bottle for me for in-country use

-several Ziploc bags of various sizes

-3-4 packs of travel-size disinfecting hand wipes (These are way better than liquid germ-x, as they remove dirt AND germs.)

-a blanket for Evie (She has most likely never had air-conditioning and will be much colder on the plane, etc. than I will be.)
-shampoo and conditioner for me and Evie
-coconut oil for Evie's skin and hair
-a non-tangle brush for Evie and one for me

FOOD: 

TIP: I pack anything that's crushable in tupperware containers to keep them in one piece. 

-a bag of goldfish

-several squeezie packs of baby food (Even toddlers enjoy these. They don't require utensils. They're a great way to get some veggies into your kid.)

-a package of suckers (These are great for keeping your little quiet while you're meeting with government officials, etc. They're also good for little ears on airplane rides.)

-Fiber One Brownies (It's hard to find vegetables I can eat in Africa that won't make me sick, and a girl needs her fiber. This is my compromise when I travel.)

-a few packs of travel-size trail mix

-2-3 bags of beef jerky 

-2-3 boxes of raisins for Evie

-instant coffee individual packets  (I CAN'T STAND airplane coffee but can't stand the thought of traveling without coffee.)

-individual coffee creamers 

-Propel drink mixes 

-Crystal Light packs with caffeine (These tend to help when I'm feeling jet-lagged.)

-several packs of oatmeal (I like the kind with extra protein.)

- all the bars (They're easy to carry around when you're out and about, and you don't have to touch them to eat them. I try to bring some that are packed with protein.)

-several packs of individual peanut butter (These are great for little ones. They can eat them with a spoon, and then you can just throw them away. They also take a little longer to eat and are more filling than crackers, etc.)

-canned chicken with pop-top lids 

-rice (I usually bring instant b/c it's easier to cook if you simply have access to hot water.)

-instant mashed potatoes (also good with just hot water access)

-tortillas (easier to pack and last longer than bread. Plus, I actually LOVE the bread I've eaten in African countries, so I try to buy some when I can. These can be used with peanut butter or chicken.)

- a can of Pringles (comfort food, and the can helps keep them in tact)

-Belvita breakfast crackers (Blueberry is my favorite.)
-two pre-packaged camping meals that one require adding boiling water
-some candy and chocolate (Comfort food :) )

MEDICINE: 

- tweezers

-band-aids

-toddler safe Vapo-rub stick 

-toddler tylenol (chewable)

-toddler benadryl (chewable) 

-toddler cold and cough medicine (chewable) 

- Lotrimin for ringworm

- a lice kit
-precription cream for Scabies

-children's Pepto

-children's Bonine (for motion sickness)

-Neosporin

-adult Advil

-adult Pepto

-immodium (I've taken this every time and never had to use it, but better safe than sorry.)

-Cipro (prescription antibiotic I'll take if I have stomach troubles or anything else until I can get home to a doctor)

- prescription malaria meds (I prefer Malarone.)

-Melatonin (adult and children's for the trip home for Evie and for me as needed)

-Pedialyte drink mixes (These are for Evie, but I'll use them if I worry about being dehydrated.)

-bug bite itch stick 

-travel size essential oils (Thieves, Lavender, DigestZen, bug repellent oil, Tea Tree oil to repel lice)

-adult cold and sinus meds

-Vitamin C chews for the plane

-adult motion sick meds (Again, I've never had to use these, but better safe than sorry.)

-sunscreen (Whether or not you wear in at home, you will want sunscreen when you meet the sun over Africa.)

-razor

-q-tips

-bar of antibacterial soap

-small pair of scissors

CLOTHES (Mom): 

--1 pair of flips flops (I can wear these in the room or to step outside, etc. But be careful about wearing flip flops in villages; there are many parasites in African countries that enter the body through the feet.)

-1 pair of Converse (which I'll wear on the plane and everyday in country. Any closed toe shoes that you prefer would work though if you're not a Converse fan.)

-2-3 long skirts ( You actually don't have to wear these in bigger cities, but I think they're cooler than pants.)

-5 t-shirts

-1 nicer shirt that I can wear if I have to go to the Embassy

-2-3 pairs of pajamas (I always pack something I can sleep in and wear around the hotel, usually Nike shorts and a pair of leggings and t-shirts)

-1 pair of socks in case it's cold at night (I don't wear them with my Converse.)

-1 rain jacket (I will wear this on the plane coming and going.)

-1 pair of jeans (I will travel in these.) 

-unmentionables (Don't forget these, as you'll have a heck of a time finding them in country!)

CLOTHES (Evie): 

-10 pairs of panties (You can't have enough of these.)

-5 pair of socks 

-3 pairs of shoes in different sizes, since I'm not sure what size she'll actually need

-7 outfits (a mix of dresses, leggings, and tops. I think I know her size, but I'm not sure, so with a mix, I'm more likely to be able to make it work.)

-a sweater for the plane ride home

-a few hair accessories

-5 pairs of pajamas

SMALL, CARRY-ON SUITCASE: 

-Adoption paperwork

-neck pillow for the plane (I highly recommend this. Sleep is precious on an airplane.)

-a converter and phone charger

-my DSLR camera and charger (don't forget your memory card!)

-a change of clothes for me and Evie

-a hairbrush

-a quart size Ziploc bag of liquids (shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, contact solution, mouthwash, travel size container of coconut oil)

-a Ziploc full of a few diapers (for bedtime and travel home) 

-my make-up bag (for the trip home) 

- Evie's Ergo (I'm packing this here instead of my suitcase b/c I can't replace in country if my bag doesn't arrive.)

- a thin diaper changing pad for the plane ride home with Evie

KAVU SLING BAG:

-my headphones (the airplane ones are terribly uncomfortable. Mine are comfortable enough to sleep in and help block out the unwanted airplane noises when I'm sleeping.)

-a pair of compression socks (These are one item would NEVER leave behind! They are such a game changer for long flights!)

-all the snacks (Airplane food is lame.)

-a sleep mask (Again, sleep is at the top of the priority list on an airplane.)

-my I-pod

-a black ink pen to fill out my customs info on the plane

- small notebook with the address of where I"ll be staying inside of it (also for customs info)

-chapstick (Another item I'd NEVER leave behind!)

-meds (Melatonin, malaria pills, Advil, sinus/allergy/cold meds, Vitamin C pills)

-travel pack of Kleenex

-Germ-X

-antibacterial wipes to wipe my seat tray, armrests, and hands with on the plane (In real life, I'm not a germaphobe AT ALL, but put me on an airplane, and it's a totally different story.)

-my cell phone (and a USB cord in case I can charge it on the plane) 

-gum

-a small toothbrush and some Wisps disposable travel toothbrushes

TRAVEL ENTERTAINMENT ITEMS FOR EVIE: 

-a small backpack in my suitcase for her to carry on the way home

-a small container of play-doh

-stickers

-a package of pipe cleaners

-a small toy car

-a Barbie doll

-a small baby doll

-balloons

-some volume control headphones (I normally wouldn't encourage my toddler to watch TV, but when you're traveling for about thirty hours, you do what you have to do.)
-crayons and a coloring book
-magie wonder markers and a magic wonder coloring book
-some Silly Putty
-a ziploc full of little plastic toy animals

On the way home, I will use her backpack several changes of clothes for her, diapers, a pair of pajamas for the plane for her, and as many snacks for her as I can fit in it.

I hope this is helpful to someone one day. And if you're an African adoptive mom who has any additional tips, please leave them in the comments!

Feed their tummies.

I have been so amazed throughout our adoption process at the ways God has worked to connect me to others with a little one in Congo. But, I can honestly say that no one has blessed me more than my friend and mentor Jenny. Jenny's daughter came home this past summer, but Jenny's heart is still yearning to do more for the children in the DRC.
And I'm so glad it is. 

Jenny and her husband are the founders of Feed Their Tummies, a program that works to provide food for orphaned children in the Congo. 

And a little over a month ago, Jenny brought tears to my eyes when she suggested providing food for Emily's orphanage while I was in country. 

I cried happy tears that day,
but I cried so many more on the day we were able to deliver the food to those most precious babies. 

I have to be honest and say that food is something I often take for granted.

I've never gone to bed hungry or known that heartache. 

But, I see food differently now. 

Food is life-giving in so many ways. 

A warm meal is good for the body and soul. 

Food brings comfort. 

Food heals wounds. 

Food helps us grow. 

Food refreshes us. 

Food gives us energy. 

Food creates hope. 

And these babies can't grow without it.

Having access to good nutrition-giving foods can literally change their lives.....

and save them. 

Want to get involved with Feed Their Tummies? 

Please do. 

Visit their website, learn more, donate, and change the life of a child in the DRC. 

Thank you.

I've been home a little over a week, 

and yet I still don't feel ready to share all that in my head and on my heart. 

Some things I want to keep within our family, 

and other things-- well, I'm still searching for the words. 

But, one thing I'm completely ready to say is thank you.

I asked on Facebook for people to donate formula, cloth diapers, and other supplies to the orphanage. 

The response was overwhelmingly wonderful. 

Nothing blesses me more than to see people blessing others. 

Nothing. 

I was so thankful to get to help deliver the donations to the orphanage. 

I felt like we were delivering pounds and pounds of hope and life and love to these precious babies. 

I can say without a doubt that these donations are LITERALLY changing the lives

of these children. 

Lord willing, these orphans will all have families one day soon. 

But for today, we, the body of Christ, are their family. 

And being able to see the smiles on their faces and sleep tonight knowing that 

they will have diapers and medical supplies and formula today

 is a moment I will 

never forget. 

Thank you to all who gave. 

Thank you, thank you, thank you. 

Women are women are women {a Noonday Collection giveaway}

Friends, meet Esperanza. 

She couldn't be more beautiful if she tried. 

She's twenty-four and lives at home with her parents and her younger siblings. 

And she works for Noonday. 

She's gracious and filled with joy and was so happy to welcome us into her home. 

Her mother was so filled with life. 

The first thing she did was ask us all if we know Jesus. 

She wasn't letting us leave until she was sure we all did. 

And her little sisters-- so much hope for things to come.

Esperanza is a girl just like you and me. 

She hopes to find a cute boy to marry one day. 

She dreams of being a mother. 

She wants her own home and a family.

She sounds like every single twenty-four year old I know. 

It's so easy to believe that we are different. 

What could we possibly have in common? 

So many things in our lives show such a stark contrast. 

But really, we're all just women who want to use our gifts, make our parents happy,

 and live the best lives possible. 

Esperanza and our time together was such a beautiful reminder to me that women are women are women. 

And I couldn't possibly love that more.  

I want you to know our artisans. 

I want you to think of them as friends you simply haven't met yet. 

I want you to invite them into your homes via their stories and their products that they've made and are sharing with all of us. 

What a wonderful celebration of women. 

Have YOU checked out the new Noonday line? 

There are so many stories represented there that I can't wait to share with you this season. 

Here are a few of the pieces I can't seem to get enough of: 

 What are YOU loving? 

Do tell. 

And to help spread the Noonday love, I'm partnering up with some of my fellow ambassadors on this season's blog train. 

You can check the post from this morning by Brooke and tomorrow's post by my sweet friend Elizabeth.

So, to help spread the Noonday love and connect us even more with our artisans around the world, how about a little giveaway? 

Happy shopping and story-sharing to you and you and you! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Happy Place.

Africa. 

I want to go back. 

I NEED to go back. 

It's my happiest of happy places. 

That's such a funny thing to say. 

Africa is hard. 

The things I see, the things I hear; life in Africa is far from easy. 

And yet, I am the happiest version of myself when I'm there. 

Life since falling in love with this land far, far away has been tough. 

It's meant sacrificing, giving, lots of tears, many sleepless nights, 

and lots of moments feeling alone and totally misunderstood. 

Africa has changed me from the inside out. 

And I couldn't be happier about it. 

Africa has helped me to see what's really important in life. 

It's not things. 

It's not recognition. 

It's not accomplishing great things. 

It's about serving God and loving others. 

The people in Africa know what it means to love their neighbors. 

They know what it means to take care of one another. 

Children are treasured, and families are everything. 

I have learned so much from these beautiful people and this beautiful place. 

And yet, I know I still have so much left to learn. 

I think I could travel to Africa a hundred more times and still be aching for just one more trip, just one more day, just one more moment. 

Today, I'm missing everything there is to miss about Africa-- 

the smells, the sounds, the way the sun feels on my face, the food, and the people. 

But most of all, I'm  missing the person I am when I'm there

 and the overwhelmingly joy it brings to my heart. 

Will I go back? 

You can bet it. 

Will it be soon enough? 

No way; no how. 

Educate a girl, and you will change the world.

It's been said that if you educate a girl, you will change the world. 

I have to say that I believe this is true. 

And this is one of the many reasons that I'm so excited about sharing this with you. 

Friends, meet Louisa. 

She lives in Congo.....the same Congo where my daughter lives. 

And I want to help send her to school. 

My friend Hallie is a world-changer. 

She's a girl after my own heart who desires to make a difference where she is with what she has. 

So, fresh out of college, she has recently launched her dream-- DOT (Do One Thing), where school supplies will work to change the lives of children around the world. 

Hallie has started her company by releasing three products-- 

a journal, a binder, and the most awesome pencils you've ever seen. 

But that's not the best part--- 

each purchase from DOT will provide a half day of school for a child in need somewhere in this world, starting with Louisa. 

Once Louisa's year of school is fully funded, Hallie will begin raising funds to send another child to school. 

And then another. 

And then another. 

Education is one way that lives can truly be changed. 

And you can help. 

I've seen the products myself. 

In fact, I helped Hallie make her final product and design decisions.

Hear me when I say the products are so well made, so visually appealing, and so worth investing in. 

The binder even has a child's picture and his or her story printed on the back. 

What a great way to remind our children to think of others. 

We all buy school supplies; why not buy school supplies that can help children have a brighter future? 

AND, Hallie is partnering with us to help bring Emily home!

So, when you purchase from her site and enter ALDRIDGE ADOPTION or BRING EMILY HOME in the comments section during checkout, a percentage of your order will go towards our adoption fund. 

In other words, you can help Louisa AND Emily while purchasing something your child will enjoy and use this school year. 

That's what I like to call a win-win. 

You can find DOT at www.dotproducts.org

or on Facebook at DotforSchools. 

The binders and pencils are perfect for your little one and make wonderful teacher gifts. 

And the journals? 

Who wouldn't love on of those? 

And don't forget to check back here soon-- there may or may not be a DOT products giveaway in the works.

These Girls.

These girls. 

Oh, how I love them. 

I'll admit that when I first heard there would be twenty-four of us headed to Rwanda together,

 I was a little skeptical. 

That's a lot of girls, a lot of personalities, a lot of luggage, a lot of bathroom stops, a lot of everything. 

And yet, it was wonderful. 

THEY were wonderful. 

I saw so much goodness in each of them. 

They were such an awesome display of what it looks like to truly give of ourselves for others. 

These are mamas and wives and friends and rockstars 

who all want others to know about the needs in this world. 

They all long for justice and equality and opportunities for men and women everywhere. 

They are women on a mission, 

and I feel so very blessed to have been included in this group of women with purpose. 

Time with them was truly a gift. 

It was good for my heart and refreshed my soul. 

And now, I'm left missing them terribly and longing for more time with each of them. 

These girls. 

The world needs more of them. 

Rwanda On My Mind

Oh, Rwanda, I'm missing you already. 

My bags are unpacked. 

I'm able to function and have slept well. 

I'm clean from head to toe. 

Is it time to go back yet? 

I promise there will be several more posts to come;

I just need a day or two to sort through my thoughts and pictures and heart. 

But for now, I'll simply say that Rwanda was good.....very, very good. 

Buying kleenex by the bundle.

Two days-- that's all that stands between me and Africa. 

To say I'm excited is such an understatement. 

In case you didn't know, I love almost everything about this land far, far away. 

The thought of standing on African ground and breathing African air--- it's almost more than I can handle. 

And while I won't be seeing my girl, I will be closer to her than ever before. 

Please pray for my heart on this trip, as I'm sure being close to her will be hard on me. 

Please pray for my girls and husband at home. 

And please pray for our group. 

Oh, those Noonday girls. 

I CANNOT WAIT to spend time with them. 

And did I mention my best friend is coming along this time? 

It feels like Christmas. 

It's going to be epic, and I can't wait to share it all with you just as soon as I get home. 

You can follow along with our trip on Instagram at #noondayrwanda. 

And if you'd like to read more about how this trip is a dream come true for me,

 you can find that here. 

Jesus Loves Me, This I Know

It's no secret that I love Africa. 

It's also not a secret that there is nowhere else I'd rather be.

I can honestly say I feel more at home there than I ever have here. 

It's been a year and a half since I was last on African soil.

And my heart has longed to go back ever since I left. 

In fact, I clearly remember a moment in the Malawi airport where I honestly considered not coming back at all. Thoughts like, "Lee and the girls can just come here." and "I can stay." flashed through my mind. 

However,God has made it clear that that is not His plan for us. 

But that doesn't make staying away any easier. 

When we committed to adopt Emily, I knew what that would mean-- no more Africa for a while. 

All of our pennies these days head into our adoption fund. 

And no pennies means no Africa. 

I knew this would be hard for me. 

It's like giving up my passion and putting a part of heart in the corner on hold. 

No Africa until Emily comes home or until I get to go visit her (no, visiting orphans in Congo doesn't usually happen. But my God is bigger than 'usually doesn't happen', and you just never know what He has in store). The point is, I knew when we began the adoption process that I wouldn't be able to afford to go back to Africa for anything not directly associated with our daughter. 

And that's hard. 

Part of me is selfish. 

I want to be in my happy place. 

I want to be where my heart is longing to be. 

But I want my daughter more. 

(No, this is not Emily. Remember-- no pictures of her until she is home. These little girls are part of the reason I wanted to stay in Malawi.)

However, Africa is apparently where God wants me to be because this past January I won a trip to go to visit our Noonday Collection artisans. 

So, this July, I will officially be headed to Rwanda. 

God is sending me back to Africa. 

I'm still in shock. 

My heart is overwhelmed with joy. 

I can't wait to meet our artisans. 

In fact, I've wanted to head to Rwanda ever since I saw this artisan holding the card I made. 

I will get to hug her neck. 

I will get to talk to her about her life. 

I will get to go back to Africa. 

And I simply can't wait. 

I'll be traveling with twelve of my beloved Noonday sisters. 

It is sure to be quite the adventure. 

I don't know what all God has in store for us while we are in Rwanda. 

But I DO KNOW that He is using Noonday over and over and over again to remind me just how GREAT He is and just how much He loves little ole' me. 

A few other things I know today? 

Tomorrow I'm hitting the road on a solo trip to do two adoption fundraisers with Noonday for beloved families working to bring their littles home and to spend some time with 400 other adoptive mamas at the Created for Care retreat. I CANNOT WAIT. If you need me tonight, just know that I won't be sleeping-- I'll be up counting the hours until Santa comes because that's how excited I am to head back to Created for Care and be surrounded by mamas with hearts like mine. 

I ALSO know that there is still time for YOU to become a part of our journey to Emily and make your mark in her story. Find out the details on how you can do that here. 

Happy Wednesday to you and you and you!

I'd Rather Be in Africa

Can we just be honest for a few minutes? 

Can we talk about hard things? 

I miss Africa. 

But probably not for the reasons you are thinking. 

It's been almost a year and a half since I left Africa, and I miss it every single day. 

Africa and the way God used it to open my eyes to those in need-- it changed me. 

I don't worry about the things I used to. 

I still worry plenty, just not so much about myself. 

In fact, I think that's one thing that made getting over the chicken pox so hard for me-- for the first time in a year I've really been concerned with my appearance. 

I don't say that to mean that I don't get dressed up or don't take care of myself; it's just that I realize there are so many other things about myself that I'd rather focus on making 'beautiful' than my appearance. 

I live in a tiny town where I didn't grow up. 

We've lived here for two years. 

And while I have been blessed to find a handful of true friends here, I so often feel like I don't belong. 

My priorities are different. 

My heart beats for different things than most of the women in my town. 

I'm not better or worse-- just different. 

I think about social injustice and the needs of others in the world the way most people in the South think about football (and as a football coach's wife, I can totally say that). 

I worry about my daughter who is growing up on the other side of the world. 

And most people I know in real life have never been out of the country. 

They've never really thought about orphan care or injustice. 

Their daughter isn't sleeping in the dirt, and they don't have to worry about whether or not she'll eat today. 

I don't say that to talk badly about these people-- it's not that they wouldn't care about these things, they just aren't at the forefront of their minds. 

So, while most of the women in town are thinking about whether or not it will snow tonight, I'm thinking of how I can work to help bring my daughter home. What can I do to help increase awareness where I live? How can I help them see? 

At the end of the day, I know it's Jesus who opens our eyes to the things He cares about. 

But I still feel called to do whatever I can. 

Everyone has a cause. 

Some are fighting for better education systems.

Some are fighting to stop puppy mills. 

Some are fighting to find a cure for childhood cancer. 

Some are simply trying to keep their heads above water.

God gives us hearts for different things.

And I am so glad He does. 

If we were all just worried about solving one problem, very little would get done.

But it's hard. 

It's hard when I post something on facebook about social injustice and only ten people like it, but then I post something my daughter said and my facebook wall all but blows up with likes. 

It leaves me feel very alone and very isolated. 

It's hard to not feel like my cause is the most important cause. 

It's hard to not be bitter or angry when I talk about what's on my heart and am met with a sea of blank stares and vacant expressions. 

It's hard when I can honestly say that I felt more at home in Africa than I ever have here. 

But even on the hardest of days, I wouldn't change it. 

I spent almost thirty years as the girl whose eyes were closed. 

I was the girl who, for the most part, was worried about me far more than I worried about others. 

I was the girl who was totally clueless in terms of what was going on around the world. 

And even though at times I just want to cry in an attempt to fight the urge to 'fit it', 

I still wouldn't take it back. 

I would so much rather feel totally alone on a daily basis knowing that I'm right where God wants me for now than to live a life that is anything less than that.....even on the loneliest of days.