Another New Year

I have to admit, now that 2015 has arrived, my trip back to Mwaiseni seems so much closer! It's about four months away at this point. Today at the HUB in South Africa, everyone gathered for the announcement of the watchword for the year (more to come on this soon!) Some staff for Hands US has gathered in San Francisco to kick off our year as well. It's a very exciting time for us!

Things are busy, and will continue to be busy as my trip gets closer. I've begun to send out photo cards about my trip for anyone interested in what I'm doing. I mentioned supporting my trip through prayer so I've added a prayer requests section to my blog page. You can see them on by clicking the 'Prayer Requests' tab on my new pages bar underneath my header photo!. I'll update these throughout the year as needed, and I will try to keep you up to date by blogging specifically about new requests, and about how specific requests have been answered. Here's the first round:

Prayer Requests

• Renewed energy and focus in the new year for everyone partnering with Hands at Work:
  For international staff living in Africa: these individuals sacrifice time with their families and the comforts of home in order to care for the most vulnerable.
  For international staff living in their home countries: these individuals have often been to Africa, but always have a heart for Africa and it's people. They have the comforts of home, but constantly wish they could be on African soil. They often feel isolated from Africa, living in societies that often do not understand the calling.
• Continual support from current sponsors, and for new sponsors who want to help care for the most vulnerable:
  26,000 children die every day in Africa, and they do not need to. With sponsorships being $20/month, we pray people currently sponsoring one child may find it in their heart to promise additional sponsorships. We also pray for new partners for our cause to sponsor the most vulnerable.
• For the Hands US Staff, Advocates and Family as we work together while being far apart:
  For continued relationships and unity so we can remain strong for our cause when the world is telling to us to do anything and everything but care for the most vulnerable.
• For the 15 Short-term volunteer teams being sent by Hands US in the next year:
  Hands US is growing and our teams reflect that! FIFTEEN TEAMS!!! It's going to be an exciting year with more teams than we have sent previously and our continued partnership with Nurses for Africa teams! [Now don't worry: despite my excitement, it is NOT about the numbers. Quality is still more important than quantity, but it's hard to not be excited about these trips and the relationships that will be built!]
• That God would challenge my comforts and expectations:
  In many ways I've come so far, but in many other ways I'm stuck in a rut! This year will be my return to Africa, and renewed love for Hands. I also hope it will bring new discipline and perspective. It's definitely going to be a telling year of challenge and growth!
• That God would guide me to those who will partner in my journey through prayer or financial support:
  The last time I went to Africa, I did not push for financial support. While I did receive funding, and it was a blessing!, I also paid for most of the trip out of my personal savings. With different events over the last year, it doesn't look like that will be an option for this trip. Friends have encouraged me by saying "if it is His will, it is His bill" and that we should expect much from God. That is not to say that I feel worthy or entitled, and I certainly do not base God's goodness on funding. If I receive no funds God will still be good! But if my needs are met it is definitely all for His glory!

That's all I have for now. Thanks again for partnering with me on this journey!