Lead on!

I leave for Uganda in 4 days! I can hardly believe it! I am so excited that I hardly know what to do with myself. Yes, I'm nervous. Working through logistics like packing, plane tickets, and contacting all the necessary people is stressful, but it will definitely be worth it.

I have essentially no idea what God has in mind for me over the next 2 months; I am eager to find out! The theme for my life recently seems to be leaving my comfort zone as far behind as possible. Over and over again, I have had to take a step of faith and do something that has felt immensely vulnerable. These little (and not so little) steps are what have led to the most rewarding experiences. Even though I have no idea where these next few months will take me, I trust in Isaiah 42:16, "I (God) will lead the blind by ways they have not know, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them."

I have seen God at work already in the preparations for trip. I heard God calling me to Africa when I was at the College Conference at Montreat Conference Center in Montreat, NC. I have rarely heard such a strong call in my life. When I return from Uganda in October, I will head off to North Carolina for my music therapy internship. Originally, my internship was supposed to start in September, but the starting date was delayed. Without that change of plans, this trip would not have been possible.

In May, I put on a concert "for children and their grown-ups" to help raise money for my trip. Not only did God help me to raise money, He also used that concert to make me realize just how much I truly love performing for children. I am now considering performing professionally. This past summer, I began to write kids' songs, which children have loved! I am now working towards a CD. We'll see where God takes this!

I would greatly appreciate your prayers during my trip.Please also check out the Serving His Children (SHC) website at www.servinghischildren.org. (There is a link on the side of this blog.) SHC is a non-profit organization founded by my incredible cousin, Renee Bach. SHC is funded primarily through donations, so please also prayerfully consider giving.

Thank you to everyone for your prayers and support! Thank you especially to everyone who has donated money for my trip, enabling me to take this amazing journey.