An overview of the past 8 months...

Well, it is now obvious that I, Lori, stink at blogging. I apologize to my fellow bloggers/followers that may read this..if there are any out there that is. So what has my life looked like since February? Well hectic and FULL of changes!

   End of February-Into March: Months of change. 

It was time for me to move out of where I was living, because my roommate was recently engaged and her boo was moving up to OKC. So with his moving up here, it was time for them to get some of their house in order before they got married (which was this past July!!!); happy for you sweet people! Not sure of where to go, I gave it to God and just lived life knowing He was in control of it all. My college roomie Randi contacted me a few short days later. She filled me in on her husband getting a new job, but with this job came traveling. She didn't want to be alone while he was gone and I understood. God decided to bring us back together and I was thrilled. We were able to find a house within a few weeks and moved in during the middle of March. The house definitely has it's unique parts and we realized that we will be able to have a great story when this chapter is over. 

   April: Rain and stillness.

With April, not much happened. Randi and myself were adjusting to living with each other again and then adding her husband, Matt, into the mix. It was a lot of fun! Staying up late sometimes and just all having a good time. Somewhat like college, but now with actual bed times and jobs to go to during the week. I feel like it rained a lot in April, which was nice. Cooling things off a bit, getting ready for a beautiful Spring. If only I knew how beautiful May was going to really be. 

   May: A new plan unfolds. 

As may began, I was starting to ask myself, "What next?" Little did I know God was outlining something big. A few weeks into May, I was at my church's college service Elevate and it was another great night of worship and Word. The pastor that is over the college internship got up and spoke about a trip that was in the works for going to Africa. My heart started to beat fast and I instantly knew this was the trip and the moment I had been waiting for, for the past 11 months. Back in June of 2011, I felt God calling me to Africa, but I had no idea when or with whom. He was finally answering my questions. I made sure I filled out the application for the trip as soon as possible and made myself available for the trip. When June came it was time for the work to begin.

   June-August: The preparation begins, now.

Once I found out I was officially on the team to Africa, it seemed as if my world sped up. The mission was to raise $2500 within 5 months and I was little nervous. I knew that God wanted me on this trip and that the money was definitely no object. But the object that stood in my way, was myself. I have never been on a missions trip overseas and the only mission trips I had gone on, I had raised the money by working or asking just my family members to help me out. I knew that I had to get over this doubt that I couldn't do it by myself. That part was true though..I couldn't do it on my own, but I could do it with the power of God. I sent out some letters and the response was good, but then I decided that I really needed to get the word out about this issue and trip. And to get the word out on how much this issue of human trafficking has my heart. I then turned to Facebook and the response was out of this world. Friends, family, people that I've known for a lifetime and people I've met within the past few years all started to take a stand with me. The feeling was empowering. Knowing that God has His hand in all of this still blows me away. I started to post a countdown for my trip and people that came into the office at my work would stop and ask about why I was going and when. I've been able to build a new foundation and friendship with these wonderful people I have the opportunity to work with. My support grew and is still growing as I type this tonight/this morning. September came quickly and as summer came to a close, my relationship with God turned a new page.

   September: He has His hand in it all.

I started attending a small group just after the first of September. The small group was about how to hear God's voice. I learned that there are four major keys into hearing Him more clearly: In the stillness (quiet time), through spontaneous thoughts, through vision (dreams/images), and through journaling. On my first night, God showed up in a huge way. We took time out at the end to take a few minutes and spend some quiet time with God. Since it was my first time, the group prayed for me and I prayed for a few in the group. We shared what God had spoke to us about the people we prayed for. I was blown away by what I was told and just felt God's love pouring over me. Since that small group, I've been journaling and hearing His voice as the days go on. It's been amazing to see how He speaks things through me to tell to people. It has definitely made me more confident in my relationship with Him.My trip was paid off towards the end of September and all I can remember is rejoicing at how awesome He is. I knew that He would take care of it all and that He did. 

   October: Here we go, folks!
As I sit here, now 9 days away from the trip that will change my life, I am in awe. To be honest, I am a little nervous. Not nervous as in scared for what is going to happen, but anxious to see what His plans are for me there. There is a reason that I am going with this group of 16 people, during this time of the year. We were hand picked for this mission and I am excited to see what is in store for us in Africa. I know that I will not have internet/phone access while I am there, but I cannot wait to share the experiences I have while I am there. Please begin to pray for our team as we continue to prepare on this new journey. Pray for the country we will be traveling to and the people we will be talking to. Pray for the people who will change our lives. Pray for the relationships that are formed and the lives that are forever intertwined for eternity.

 Thanks for reading what I've been up to this past year! =)

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed." 

Proverbs 31:8