For many months Josh and I have prepared for this day. In January, we initially presenting the idea of taking a team to Kenya on a mission trip to our New England pastor and his wife, Landon and Cristy Reesor of Encounter Church in Darien, CT. Not quite sure of how they would respond to our inquiry - after all, our family was brand new to this congregation; strangers from Texas - Josh and I held our breath for a few seconds in anticipation like a hopeful suitor awaiting an answer to his proposal of marriage. THEY SAID 'YES'! And from there this trip began. It was birthed in hope, pursued in love, and supported with great joy. Three new souls responded to the call to Kenya and today Fiona, Melania, and Matt join Josh and I as we leave New England bound for Nairobi. Since January, these three have gathered regularly with our family to bond as a team, preparing our hearts spiritually for this journey. Our three musketeers have submitted to many vaccinations, written support letters, and gathered donations of school supplies, clothing, vitamins, diapers, etc. over recent months. Excitedly, we have packed 10 checked bags loaded down with all those donations. All of us have promoted the "Concert for Kenya" fundraiser (graciously provided by the band Counted) and sold countless Wells of Joy t-shirts. For each of them and the families they leave behind, this will be their first mission trip to Africa. Likewise, leaving our three sons behind for the first time feels hard and heavy this morning even though Josh and I have prepared for this day.
With mixed emotions our team of 5 will hug and kiss our loved ones, those who have supported us, and those who have prayed for and over us. With mixed emotions our team of 5 will board a plane and travel 14 hours, touching three continents. With mixed emotions our team of 5 will share the gospel of Christ with the poor, the orphan, and the hurting of Kenya. With hearts full of HOPE and wells full of JOY, we are going (back) to Africa!
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