As you get closer to going thoughts start to come into your head:

The What if's:

What if I am not good at this?

What if I don't know what to do or say there?

What if Africa is really not safe?

What if I do or say something wrong?

What if I get sick?

What if... What if.... What if....

These questions are natural. This is my 5th trip to Kenya and I still get the

What ifs.

The trick is to remember God is in control!!

Psalm 46: 1-7

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way

and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,

the holy place where the Most High dwells.
God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.
Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; the lifts his voice, the earth melts.
The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Staying Healthy During Your Trip

Prevent Insect BitesMany diseases, like Malaria and Dengue are spread through insect bites. One of the best protections is to prevent insect bites by:

1. Using insect repellent (bug spray) with 30%-50% DEET. Picaridin, available in 7% and 15% concentrations, needs more frequent application. There is less information available on how effective picaridin is at protecting against all of the types of mosquitoes that transmit malaria.
2. Wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and a hat outdoors.
3. Remaining indoors in a screened area during the peak biting period for malaria (dusk and dawn).
4. Sleeping in beds covered by nets treated with permethrin, well-screened room.
5. Spraying rooms with products effective against flying insects, such as those containing pyrethroid.
6. For detailed information about insect repellent use, see Insect and Arthropod Protection.

Prevent Animal Bites and Scratches
Direct contact with animals can spread diseases like rabies or cause serious injury or illness. It is important to prevent animal bites and scratches.

1. Be sure you are up to date with tetanus vaccination.
2. Do not touch or feed any animals, including dogs and cats. Even animals that look like healthy pets can have rabies or other diseases.
3. If you are bitten or scratched, wash the wound well with soap and water and go to a doctor right away.
4. After your trip, be sure to tell your doctor or state health department if you were bitten or scratched during travel.
5. For more information about rabies and travel, see the

Rabies Chapter of the Yellow Book or CDC's Rabies homepage. For more information about how to protect yourself from other risks related to animals, see Animal-Associated Hazards.

Be Careful about Food and Water
Diseases from food and water are the leading cause of illness in travelers. Follow these tips for safe eating and drinking:

1. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially before eating. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand gel (with at least 60% alcohol).
2. Drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated (bubbly) drinks in cans or bottles. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes.

Do not eat food purchased from street vendors.

Make sure food is fully cooked.

Avoid dairy products, unless you know they have been pasteurized.Diseases from food and water often cause vomiting and diarrhea. Make sure to bring diarrhea medicine with you so that you can treat mild cases yourself.

I asked God to take away My habit..

God said, No.

It is not for me to take away, But for you to give it up.

I asked God to make my han di capped child whole.

God said, No.

His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary.

I asked God to grant me patience.

God said, No.

Patience is a byproduct of tribulations; It isn't granted, it is learned.

I asked God to give me happiness.

God said, No.

I give you blessings; Happiness is up to you.

I asked God to spare me pain..

God said, No.

Suffering draws you apart from Worldly cares and brings you closer to me .

I asked God to make my spirit grow.

God said, No.

You must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful.

I asked God for all things That I might enjoy life.

God said, No.

I will give you life, So that you may enjoy all things.

I asked God to help me LOVE others, as much as He loves me ..

God said...Ahhhh, Finally you have the idea. 

 

1 John 3:1

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

Mark 10:13-16

One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him.When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them.

I was thinking last night as I tried to fall asleep how Blessed this team is
to have the people you have on it.

Each person brings Gifts,
Each person brings Joy,
Each person brings Laughter,
Each person brings Hope!!

Many friendship that will form
from these two weeks together.
Friendships formed on the mission field are life long,
I am still in contact with people I first went to Kenya with 10 years ago!!

THE BEST PART IS WE WILL ALL BE TOGETHER IN GOD'S KINGDOM
SURROUNDED BY THE BEAUTIFUL CHILDREN
WHO'S LIVES YOU WILL TOUCH IN KENYA!!

Matthew 25:21

"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!"