I leave for Africa in 2 months and 1 week, which is really hard to believe. But GOOD NEWS, I have $5,000 in my account right now!  I am very thankful to everyone who has helped in supporting my ministry, not only financially but also prayerfully as well.  It's hard for me to stop and think about all that needs to be done in the next two months. I guess if I stopped to seriously think about it, I would be really overwhelmed!  I know I still have to get a medical release and shots and medicine to go, I know I still need to pack, and I still need to raise the other half of my money.  But I am trusting that God knows this too, and with Him everything will get done. Maybe not in my timing, but definitely in His. 

I read an article on CNN.com about widows in India who are shunned by the community and forced to become beggars, because tradition is that widows are bad luck. They are forced to shave their heads, wear white, and typically come to the cities waiting to die.  They cannot remarry and are ostracized by society. Sometimes when I am questioning myself about why I have decided to do this next year, there are always reminders of what a hurting world exists outside of the U.S. 

When Jesus says for us to take care of orphans and widows, He is being serious.  It's not a suggestion, but those of us who are blessed to have family should love and take care of those who do not.  I have often been confronted with the question of the expense of my trip, and couldn't that money do much more if I sent it over there?  It's probably true, but I have come to see that not everyone is called to Africa or missions overseas. Others are called to teaching, business, etc., as their ministry.  I want to love these people and show that God loves them to, depsite a world that has not shown them much love, and I can't put a price on that.  My presence will show them more love than my money ever can. 

"Pure and lasting religion in the sight of God means caring for orphans and widows in their distress, and refusing to let the world corrupt you." James 1:27