Just letting everyone know we are now in Kampala, Uganda where we will stay the night, then ride a bus to Gulu tomorrow! Also there is no wifi in Brussels so I could not let anyone know that we were ok, sorry about that! All is well, we are just all exhausted and need a good nights sleep! thanks so much for all the traveling prayers. We are so blessed that all went well!
A quick story:
On the way to Brussels I sat next to a man who builds schools around the world and he gave me lots of advice about our future school at Abaana's Hope! What a blessing! Also there's another team who has been on all our flights who are working in Kampala, and it just so happened that they were studying the same book we were; "when helping hurts" so we were able to discuss it with them also!
Prayer Requests:
-A good nights sleep for all of us
-A safe car ride tomorrow
-Lots of opportunities to share the gospel and make friends!
- piece of mind for parents now that their babies are in Africa, and not in the middle of the ocean!
Love,
Mattie
Jer. 29:11
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Today is the day!
Well at this moment I am on an airplane on the way to Washington DC. We all made it through security with no problem (except Lauren had to give up her peanut butter) the airplane to DC is a closterphobics nightmare and teddy has helped me through it! Here is a picture of us on the plane! Also here is a picture of our group. We all are getting to know each other and almost all my anxiety about this trip is gone! Saying goodbye to Mama was hard, I have never been without seeing her for more then a week so this is a big step for us. Hopefully Skype will help me not get so homesick. I got lots of text messages this morning wishing me luck on the trip so that also helped a lot. Please say a prayer that our not flight to Belgium goes well and the flight from there to Kampala as well! We will be staying in a hotel in Kampala tomorrow night and will drive the 6 hours to Gulu the next morning. The time difference from Auburn to Gulu is 8 hours so now it is 12pm in Auburn and 8pm in Gulu. So Skype people when we do it it will probably be around 7 Gulu time and 11 auburn time! We can email to determine actual Skype dates! Love y'all!
Mattie
Mattie
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Immediate prayer needed:
A fellow dancer of mine is now in relapse of cancer. It has moved to her arm and she will be doing chemo and radiation again soon. She is 12 years old and her name is Carly Parker. She needs your prayers desperately and I beg you to lift her up. She has been battling this for 4 years and it just won't stop! Please pray for this axing little girl. For more information visit her caring bridge site at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/carlyparker she needs you prayer warriors.
We leave tomorrow!
Prayer Requests~
Nerves:
Last night I couldn't sleep and had bad dreams about all the things that could go wrong. I know this is Satin trying to freak me out, but he is doing a fairly decent job! I have butterflies in my stomach and I am kind of freaking out! Well that is not going to be tolerated here! Please pray for these nerves to go away and for this last day with the whole family to be an enjoyable one!
Safe travels:
There will be lots of driving and flying done in the next 2 days. First everyone will drive to the Atlanta airport, then we will fly to Washington DC, then we will fly to Brussels, Belgium, then we will fly to Kampala, Uganda, then we will drive to Gulu, Uganda. With all of that travel we need some serious prayer! Please pray that God is with all the drivers and pilots and that we arrive there safely! Also that no one looses their luggage on the way over!
Parents:
Any parents would be apprehensive about sending their children across the world with people they don't know. It is going to take a lot of prayer for all of the parents to have piece of mind about the trip, please continue to pray for all of the parents.
The East Family:
The East Family has just moved into their house in Gulu and are anxiously awaiting their 14 visitors! (10 interns and a mission group of 4 from Opelika High School) please pray for some rest and good family time before the house is bombarded with chaos as we all arrive! Also Matt will be traveling to Kampala to meet us so pray for his journey to be a safe one.
That is about all I can think of for as of right now, I may post again later in the day if I think of more! Thank you so much for reading and praying!
Love,
Mattie
Nerves:
Last night I couldn't sleep and had bad dreams about all the things that could go wrong. I know this is Satin trying to freak me out, but he is doing a fairly decent job! I have butterflies in my stomach and I am kind of freaking out! Well that is not going to be tolerated here! Please pray for these nerves to go away and for this last day with the whole family to be an enjoyable one!
Safe travels:
There will be lots of driving and flying done in the next 2 days. First everyone will drive to the Atlanta airport, then we will fly to Washington DC, then we will fly to Brussels, Belgium, then we will fly to Kampala, Uganda, then we will drive to Gulu, Uganda. With all of that travel we need some serious prayer! Please pray that God is with all the drivers and pilots and that we arrive there safely! Also that no one looses their luggage on the way over!
Parents:
Any parents would be apprehensive about sending their children across the world with people they don't know. It is going to take a lot of prayer for all of the parents to have piece of mind about the trip, please continue to pray for all of the parents.
The East Family:
The East Family has just moved into their house in Gulu and are anxiously awaiting their 14 visitors! (10 interns and a mission group of 4 from Opelika High School) please pray for some rest and good family time before the house is bombarded with chaos as we all arrive! Also Matt will be traveling to Kampala to meet us so pray for his journey to be a safe one.
That is about all I can think of for as of right now, I may post again later in the day if I think of more! Thank you so much for reading and praying!
Love,
Mattie
Monday, May 28, 2012
2 days! Let the chaos begin!
We have today and tomorrow to finish getting ready for this trip! Pray that we don't kill each other until then. Today I had to finish packing, make copies of all my documents, teach my mom how to Skype, set up a wireless router in our house, count out medication for 5 weeks, clean my room, and say goodbye to some friends! That's not even counting the non-Africa related things that have to be done! Our house is crazy right now! And I am surprisingly calm (as of right now at least). I have a lot more to do today but please pray for a productive day ad less conflict as we get ready to go!
Sunday, May 27, 2012
3 days: coincidence or not?
Let me tell my Africa story; before I go to Africa!
Jamie East was my history teacher junior year at AHS and at the end of the year she shared with our class that she was selling everything she owned and was moving to Africa. Well we were all obviously a little shocked but I thought it was amazing! I have always loved missions, especially since I went to Ecuador summer of 2010. I had a blast there and it changed my life. Well when Ms. East told us I stayed after class to ask her some details. That was when she said I could come and visit. At first I thought she was kidding, then she got me more information about the internship program they were going I have. So I applied, not thinking much would come out of it. Oh boy was I wrong. When I told my mom what I had done she said "you don't even know these people" and I replied with "it's Four Corners Ministries mama". Silence. Turns out one of mama's work collages also works with FCM and mama had even donated to send her husband to South Sudan. At this point I knew God had a plan, but mama wasn't convinced, the next thing we know we are invited to a dinner for more information and mama meets Matt and Jamie and the whole crew! My internship application was now accepted and the fundraising could begin! Mama was still in denial but she let me write a grand total of 132 letters asking people to make donations. At first donations were slow but then the money came in quickly and now I have raised over the required amount! Woohoo! But that is not the end of God's hand in this trip. Mama was standing next to a coworker at a banquet and they got to talking about their children, I had gone to preschool with her youngest (twins) and the mama's were enjoying themselves talking about how proud they were of their seniors. Turns out I did not have a roommate for the fall and neither did one of her twins, now we are rooming together. Then her older daughter happens to be going I Africa with me as a fellow intern!!! God is good! After all this happened Mama finally accepted that this was obviously Gods will for me and now we are just rolling with it! A church member and family friend has visited Uganda and worked in the same village that we are staying in, so today we had lunch with their family and he gave me lots of wonderful advice, and peace of mind for mama! All that God has done is so amazing and it is so obvious that he wants me in Africa this summer! I love it and I am so exited!!! This just can't be better! As I packed today all of this came to me so I thought I should share! Thanks so much for reading! Wednesday is coming quickly!
Love,
Mattie
Jamie East was my history teacher junior year at AHS and at the end of the year she shared with our class that she was selling everything she owned and was moving to Africa. Well we were all obviously a little shocked but I thought it was amazing! I have always loved missions, especially since I went to Ecuador summer of 2010. I had a blast there and it changed my life. Well when Ms. East told us I stayed after class to ask her some details. That was when she said I could come and visit. At first I thought she was kidding, then she got me more information about the internship program they were going I have. So I applied, not thinking much would come out of it. Oh boy was I wrong. When I told my mom what I had done she said "you don't even know these people" and I replied with "it's Four Corners Ministries mama". Silence. Turns out one of mama's work collages also works with FCM and mama had even donated to send her husband to South Sudan. At this point I knew God had a plan, but mama wasn't convinced, the next thing we know we are invited to a dinner for more information and mama meets Matt and Jamie and the whole crew! My internship application was now accepted and the fundraising could begin! Mama was still in denial but she let me write a grand total of 132 letters asking people to make donations. At first donations were slow but then the money came in quickly and now I have raised over the required amount! Woohoo! But that is not the end of God's hand in this trip. Mama was standing next to a coworker at a banquet and they got to talking about their children, I had gone to preschool with her youngest (twins) and the mama's were enjoying themselves talking about how proud they were of their seniors. Turns out I did not have a roommate for the fall and neither did one of her twins, now we are rooming together. Then her older daughter happens to be going I Africa with me as a fellow intern!!! God is good! After all this happened Mama finally accepted that this was obviously Gods will for me and now we are just rolling with it! A church member and family friend has visited Uganda and worked in the same village that we are staying in, so today we had lunch with their family and he gave me lots of wonderful advice, and peace of mind for mama! All that God has done is so amazing and it is so obvious that he wants me in Africa this summer! I love it and I am so exited!!! This just can't be better! As I packed today all of this came to me so I thought I should share! Thanks so much for reading! Wednesday is coming quickly!
Love,
Mattie
Saturday, May 26, 2012
4 days!
First off let me apologize for not posting the last couple of days! It has been crazy! But, I am finally to the point where I can be completely focused on getting ready to leave! Right now it is totally blowing my mind! After graduating, camp war eagle, and a family day trip to a Braves game I am now to the bottom of the basic to-do list! Next up: AFRICA!!! Now I know that I still have to pack, purchase some items, and fly 20 hours to get there but it is seeming more real then ever that this is actually happening. And the nerves are kicking in. Now I am having some anxiety about flying, planes scare me, also I am somewhat scared that I won't fit in well with the other girls, since I am so much younger. I am also scared about what will happen when we get there; what if the kids don't like me? What if I mess something up and ruin someone's life? I can "what if" till the cows come home but that won't fix anything. I think I am really just going to have to pray it through and hope for the best. I know that the Lord is going to do some amazing things on this trip, I just need to step out of the way, stop being so controlling, and let him work his magic. I know it will all work out but I ask that you are in continuous prayer for me and the other interns as we all have anxieties about the future. Again I know my favorite verse will get me through, it's just taking a while for me to let it happen!
"For I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord, "plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" Jer. 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord, "plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" Jer. 29:11
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
One week!
Well I am now officially a graduate of AHS! I am honestly very happy to have that behind me! Next step: Camp War Eagle, then Africa! The to-do list is getting longer and longer as we think of more things that have to be done! Also I am becoming anxious about the long plane ride and multiple airports so if you could pray for that anxiety to go away that would be wonderful! Tomorrow and Friday is Camp War Eagle so I will be there, please pray for safety and an open mind!
Love,
Mattie
Love,
Mattie
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
8 days: 'dear old Auburn High!'
We leave in 8 days! But today I am not really thinking about that. Today is graduation! Every high school student looks forward to this day when we get to walk across the stage, receive our diplomas and throw our hats up in the air! I have had a great time at AHS and I am happy to say I will not miss it! High school was fun but I am so ready for college! This is just one more thing to check off of our to-do list then I can focus on the next thing! These next days will be crazy but I am so excited! Please say a prayer for the Auburn High School Class of 2012 as we graduate then go to Project Grad, a huge party till 3am! Pray for the parents and for safety!
~Mattie
"for I know the plans I have for you declares the lord, plans to prosper and not to harm you plans to give you hope and a future!" Jer. 29:11
~Mattie
"for I know the plans I have for you declares the lord, plans to prosper and not to harm you plans to give you hope and a future!" Jer. 29:11
Monday, May 21, 2012
9 days! Anxiety
We leave in 9 days. That is so crazy for me to grasp! I graduate high school tomorrow, have camp war eagle thursday and Friday then we Lear Wednesday! Everything is coming together nicely as we put together the last details for the trip! All the interns have been talking and we're super excited! I ask that you pray for all of us as we get closer and closer to leaving! We are so anxious and we need your help to cast away the anxiety that we are all feeling right now.
Love,
Mattie
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7 NIV)
Love,
Mattie
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7 NIV)
Sunday, May 20, 2012
10 days!
Today I ask that you pray for Jamie and Matt as they prepare to move to their new home in Gulu! The house that I will be staying in. They will be leaving New Hope Uganda this week and begin preparing for the interns to arrive! Moving is never an easy task but with two small children and one 7 months on the way it is going to be a very hard task so I especially ask for prayers for Matt, as he will be doing most of the work. God is good any everything will be fine but it is going to be a rough week.
Thanks so much!
Love,
Mattie
Thanks so much!
Love,
Mattie
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
11 days!
Today I ask that you pray for the to-do list. Me and my mom have made a long list of everything that we have to get done within the next 11 days, and it is not a short list. It is going to be a very stressful, exciting, wonderful time and we are looking forward to it! Tomorrow begins the festivities with baccalaureate and then graduation on Tuesday! So today and this following week please pray for sanity and for the to do list to shorten. Thank you so much for your prayers!
Love,
Mattie
Love,
Mattie
Day 17: stress relief
Countdown: 12 days
If you haven't done so already please read my post from yesterday. After you read that this post will make more sense.
Today I ask for the hand of God to come down and relieve all the stress that has taken over. Today I have been overwhelmed with everything that has to get done within the next two weeks and that is a scary thought! I'm having trouble focusing on the joys and fun of high school graduation because there is so much more to do! So today please say a prayer for a good nap and this stress to become less of a burden.
Thanks,
Mattie
If you haven't done so already please read my post from yesterday. After you read that this post will make more sense.
Today I ask for the hand of God to come down and relieve all the stress that has taken over. Today I have been overwhelmed with everything that has to get done within the next two weeks and that is a scary thought! I'm having trouble focusing on the joys and fun of high school graduation because there is so much more to do! So today please say a prayer for a good nap and this stress to become less of a burden.
Thanks,
Mattie
Day 16: time to breathe
Countdown: 13 Days
Sorry I am posting this so late, it has been a very long day!
Today I ask that you pray for some down time to breathe in these next two weeks! Today I was able to get a loan and pick up my car for college, I am so excited for it and we spent the whole afternoon driving around just having fun in it! The only catch is that it is a manual transmission so I have to learn how to drive stick, therefor that adds one more thing to our to do list! I am so blessed that everything worked out with the car because we were able to get it for a very reasonable price and I will be able to make very low payments on it, it was truly God letting us have a little fun! Tomorrow is Friday, TGIF, and it is just the beginning of another bus weekend. Sara and I have graduation practice and we are all going to a wedding that is 4 house away. Sunday we have baccolorette (I'm not sure how to spell that) and Tuesday we have graduation followed by an all night parent sponsored party at AHS until 3am! Then after that I have Camp War Eagle at Auburn the 24-25, Opelika High School graduation Friday the 25th. Our family is going to a braves game the 26th and then I leave on the 30th! Needless to say we are in desperate need of some breathing time so today I ask that you pray for a breath of fresh air as we go through this crazy and exciting time!
Love,
Mattie
Sorry I am posting this so late, it has been a very long day!
Today I ask that you pray for some down time to breathe in these next two weeks! Today I was able to get a loan and pick up my car for college, I am so excited for it and we spent the whole afternoon driving around just having fun in it! The only catch is that it is a manual transmission so I have to learn how to drive stick, therefor that adds one more thing to our to do list! I am so blessed that everything worked out with the car because we were able to get it for a very reasonable price and I will be able to make very low payments on it, it was truly God letting us have a little fun! Tomorrow is Friday, TGIF, and it is just the beginning of another bus weekend. Sara and I have graduation practice and we are all going to a wedding that is 4 house away. Sunday we have baccolorette (I'm not sure how to spell that) and Tuesday we have graduation followed by an all night parent sponsored party at AHS until 3am! Then after that I have Camp War Eagle at Auburn the 24-25, Opelika High School graduation Friday the 25th. Our family is going to a braves game the 26th and then I leave on the 30th! Needless to say we are in desperate need of some breathing time so today I ask that you pray for a breath of fresh air as we go through this crazy and exciting time!
Love,
Mattie
Day 15: New Hope Uganda
Countdown 14 days!
Today I ask that you pray for the members and employees of New Hope Uganda. The East Family has been staying at New Hope to be trained in the culture of Ugandan people and how to do missions. The people at New Hope have been a great help to the East family and they will continue to do great things in Uganda! Please continue to pray for all the people at New Hope and the East family as they get ready to move to their house in Gulu!
Love,
Mattie
Today I ask that you pray for the members and employees of New Hope Uganda. The East Family has been staying at New Hope to be trained in the culture of Ugandan people and how to do missions. The people at New Hope have been a great help to the East family and they will continue to do great things in Uganda! Please continue to pray for all the people at New Hope and the East family as they get ready to move to their house in Gulu!
Love,
Mattie
Day 14: AHS Senior Class of 2012
Countdown: 15 days
I am so sorry that I did not post yesterday! It was a crazy day and I just kept forgetting!
Today I ask that you pray for the Senior Class of Auburn High School 2012. There are many of us who are going on mission trips this summer and many more of us who are going o school next year. Some at Auburn and some as far away as New York! We could use all the prayer that we can get. Today was Senior Day, our last day of school was Monday, and we are so excited to be done! Please keep us in your prayers, I know God has some big plans for the members of our class!
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
I am so sorry that I did not post yesterday! It was a crazy day and I just kept forgetting!
Today I ask that you pray for the Senior Class of Auburn High School 2012. There are many of us who are going on mission trips this summer and many more of us who are going o school next year. Some at Auburn and some as far away as New York! We could use all the prayer that we can get. Today was Senior Day, our last day of school was Monday, and we are so excited to be done! Please keep us in your prayers, I know God has some big plans for the members of our class!
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Day 12: mothers
Countdown: 17 days
Today we pray for all the mothers. And I don't just mean our own mothers. I ask that you pray for all the mothers in your life, around America, and especially the mothers in Uganda. Many Ugandan mothers are doing it all alone, men in Uganda have not been taught to be the fathers that they should be. After their girl gets pregnant they leave and that is the end if the relationship. The mothers are extremely lucky if the father of their children stays around. So today I ask that you show your own mother, wether she is your birth mother or not, love and respect today. And please pray for those mothers in Uganda.
God Bless,
Mattie
"For Moses said, 'Honor your father and mother" (Mark 7:10 NIV)
Today we pray for all the mothers. And I don't just mean our own mothers. I ask that you pray for all the mothers in your life, around America, and especially the mothers in Uganda. Many Ugandan mothers are doing it all alone, men in Uganda have not been taught to be the fathers that they should be. After their girl gets pregnant they leave and that is the end if the relationship. The mothers are extremely lucky if the father of their children stays around. So today I ask that you show your own mother, wether she is your birth mother or not, love and respect today. And please pray for those mothers in Uganda.
God Bless,
Mattie
"For Moses said, 'Honor your father and mother" (Mark 7:10 NIV)
Day 11: "Jer. 29:11"
Countdown:18 Days!
Today I have a confession to make. I have done the first rebellious thing as a teenager and it isn't even that rebellious. I got a tattoo that says "Jer. 29:11" on my left wrist. Jer. 29:11 says; "for I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." when I became a Christian this verse is what got me through the rest of my hard childhood. This verse tells me that God is in control and no matter how hard life gets I will always have Him looking out for me. Some people who have seen pictures of my Tattoo on Facebook do not approve, and I respect that. I am not the type of girl who would go out and do this, so I asked permission first. This tattoo is a reminder to me and a conversation starter for anyone who sees it and wonders what it means. This tattoo is to bring God the glory and to be a daily reminder of how much I am loved. Today I ask that you pray for all of those people who are not too happy with me right now. I love them dearly and I would never do anything to hurt them. I love you guys and I am sorry if getting a tattoo hurt you, but know it is for a personal reminder and to bring glory to our Awesome God!
Love,
Mattie
"For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper and not to harm you plans to give you hope and a future" Jeremiah 29:11
Today I have a confession to make. I have done the first rebellious thing as a teenager and it isn't even that rebellious. I got a tattoo that says "Jer. 29:11" on my left wrist. Jer. 29:11 says; "for I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." when I became a Christian this verse is what got me through the rest of my hard childhood. This verse tells me that God is in control and no matter how hard life gets I will always have Him looking out for me. Some people who have seen pictures of my Tattoo on Facebook do not approve, and I respect that. I am not the type of girl who would go out and do this, so I asked permission first. This tattoo is a reminder to me and a conversation starter for anyone who sees it and wonders what it means. This tattoo is to bring God the glory and to be a daily reminder of how much I am loved. Today I ask that you pray for all of those people who are not too happy with me right now. I love them dearly and I would never do anything to hurt them. I love you guys and I am sorry if getting a tattoo hurt you, but know it is for a personal reminder and to bring glory to our Awesome God!
Love,
Mattie
"For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper and not to harm you plans to give you hope and a future" Jeremiah 29:11
Day 10: Carly Parker
Countdown: 19 days
Today I am not talking about my trip or even about myself at all. There is a young girl who I dance with who has cancer. She has fought it, had many surgeries, and it just isn't giving up, but neither is she. She is having to take medicine daily and if it doesn't start working soon she will have to do another round of chemo, which scares her and me. She is about to finish the 6th grade at Drake Middle School. Today I ask that you pray for Carly as she goes through this yet again. She needs prayer warriors and I hope that you will add her to your list. You can visit her Caring Bridge sight for more specifics about her cancer. Please please please pray for this sweet Girl to be healed here on earth, we all love her so much.
STANDing with Carly
"I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" Phillipians 4:13
Today I am not talking about my trip or even about myself at all. There is a young girl who I dance with who has cancer. She has fought it, had many surgeries, and it just isn't giving up, but neither is she. She is having to take medicine daily and if it doesn't start working soon she will have to do another round of chemo, which scares her and me. She is about to finish the 6th grade at Drake Middle School. Today I ask that you pray for Carly as she goes through this yet again. She needs prayer warriors and I hope that you will add her to your list. You can visit her Caring Bridge sight for more specifics about her cancer. Please please please pray for this sweet Girl to be healed here on earth, we all love her so much.
STANDing with Carly
"I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" Phillipians 4:13
Day 9: a little about me
Countdown: 20 days
Today I'm going to tell you a little about myself. I am 18 years old and about to graduate from Auburn High School. I will be leaving for Gulu, Uganda May 30th to be an intern at Abaana's Hope. I have a twin sister, Sara and a little sister, Olivia who is 15. My mom's name is Elaine and we have 3 dogs, Max, Bree, and Scout. I am going to Auburn University to study Music Education in the fall. After graduating from Auburn I think I will be moving to Africa to teach at Abaana's hope. I am so excited to see what God will be doing in my life. Today I ask that you pray for wisdom on my part as I go into the last 2 days of high school. Thank you so much for reading.
Love,
Mattie
"For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Today I'm going to tell you a little about myself. I am 18 years old and about to graduate from Auburn High School. I will be leaving for Gulu, Uganda May 30th to be an intern at Abaana's Hope. I have a twin sister, Sara and a little sister, Olivia who is 15. My mom's name is Elaine and we have 3 dogs, Max, Bree, and Scout. I am going to Auburn University to study Music Education in the fall. After graduating from Auburn I think I will be moving to Africa to teach at Abaana's hope. I am so excited to see what God will be doing in my life. Today I ask that you pray for wisdom on my part as I go into the last 2 days of high school. Thank you so much for reading.
Love,
Mattie
"For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Day 8: interns families
Countdown: 21 days!
Today I ask for prayers for the interns families. It is very difficult for our parents to send us to Africa with people they don't know to a country that has been at war. I know for my family I am the only one that has ever been out of the country, and I'm even the only one with a passport. It must be terrifying for my mom to send me overseas for a whole month. I am the youngest member of the team so my family is doing graduation, camp war eagle, and sending me to Africa all in one week. Needless to say it is going to be interesting and we need your help! Please continue to pray for all the interns families as we get closer to our trip!
"As a mother comforts her child,
so will I comfort you;
and you will be comforted over Jerusalem." (Isaiah 66:13 NIV)
Today I ask for prayers for the interns families. It is very difficult for our parents to send us to Africa with people they don't know to a country that has been at war. I know for my family I am the only one that has ever been out of the country, and I'm even the only one with a passport. It must be terrifying for my mom to send me overseas for a whole month. I am the youngest member of the team so my family is doing graduation, camp war eagle, and sending me to Africa all in one week. Needless to say it is going to be interesting and we need your help! Please continue to pray for all the interns families as we get closer to our trip!
"As a mother comforts her child,
so will I comfort you;
and you will be comforted over Jerusalem." (Isaiah 66:13 NIV)
Day 7: the children
Today it has been laid on my heart to pray for the children of Gulu. I am already in love with them and I haven't even met them yet. For those of you who do not know me personally children have always had a special part in my heart. I have grown up working at every vacation bible school, Sunday school, and children's choir I could get my hands on just because I love being around kids so much. I truly believe that a childlike faith is the only way to go and that we learn more from the kids then they learn from us. The children of Gulu have nothing compared to what we have but I promise you they are 100 times more joyful. Please continue to pray for the children and that we have a wonderful time getting to know them!
"Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children" (Ephesians 5:1 NIV)
"Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children" (Ephesians 5:1 NIV)
Monday, May 7, 2012
Day 6: the community
Today, 23 days until I leave for Uganda, I ask that you pray for the community of Gulu. While we are there we will be creating relationships with the people and before we go we need to continuously keep them in our prayers. We will not only be ministering to orphans but to the families and adults who are already there. It is extremely important that we get on the good side of the community before we begin construction on Abaana's Hope. So today on the 6th day of prayer, 23 days until we leave, I ask that you pray for the Gulu community.
Love,
Mattie
"Learn to do right; seek justice.
Defend the oppressed.
Take up the cause of the fatherless;
plead the case of the widow" (Isaiah 1:17 NIV).
Love,
Mattie
"Learn to do right; seek justice.
Defend the oppressed.
Take up the cause of the fatherless;
plead the case of the widow" (Isaiah 1:17 NIV).
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Day 5: save travels
Today I ask that you pray for safe travels for all of the interns who are going home after their finals. We have several team members who are not from here so we need them back in 24 days!
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Day 4: finances
Today I ask that you pray for and prayerfully consider the financial state of our internship team. I personally have raised enough funds but there are some members of our team who still aren't there yet. We know that God will provide the funds and I am asking you to donate. If you do choose to donate go to www.4cornersministries.org click "donate now" then "internship donation" then type the name of someone you would like to specifically donate to, or just write "anyone who needs it the most". Thank you so much for those who have already donated. We know God will do great things with Abaana's Hope! Please continue to pray for all of the interns final exams and stress, the East family, patients, and our finances.
God Bless,
Mattie
"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world" (James 1:27 NIV)
God Bless,
Mattie
"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world" (James 1:27 NIV)
Friday, May 4, 2012
Day 3: Patience
Today I ask that anyone reading this pray for patients. Patients for me to get through these last 6 days of high school and focus on the things ahead and what God has in store for me. These last days are becoming increasingly stressful and I need more then coffee to make it through May 14th (my last official day of school). Please continue to pray for my fellow interns and the East Family. Thank you so much!
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." (Romans 12:12 NIV)
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." (Romans 12:12 NIV)
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Day 2 National Day of Prayer
Today, May 3, 2012 is the National Day of Prayer. I ask that anyone who reads this lift up a prayer for the East Family (Jamie, Matt, Tristan, Cole, and Jamie's unborn little girl). They are the family that I will be staying with while I'm there. They are wonderful people and I ask that today, 27 days until I leave, you pray for the family who will be taking care of me.
"I will not leave you as orphans I will come to you" John 14:18
"I will not leave you as orphans I will come to you" John 14:18
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Day One
Today I ask that you pray for peace of mind for my fellow interns who are undergoing college finals today and the rest of this week, pray that they have the energy and knowledge to get them one step closer to serving our Lord in Gulu.
Interns by name:
June Interns:
1)Mattie Jimmerson
2)Jerica Pealor
3)Kasey Tucker
4)Laurel Schweers
5)Emma Jaggears
Whole Summer interns:
1)Sara Mattox
2)Elizabeth Bryant
3)McCamy Pruitt
4)Rebecca Osteen
5)Anna Handlin
Interns by name:
June Interns:
1)Mattie Jimmerson
2)Jerica Pealor
3)Kasey Tucker
4)Laurel Schweers
5)Emma Jaggears
Whole Summer interns:
1)Sara Mattox
2)Elizabeth Bryant
3)McCamy Pruitt
4)Rebecca Osteen
5)Anna Handlin
28 days of prayer
I leave for Uganda on May 30th and that is in 28 days. I believe in the power of prayer so for the next 28 days I will post a new prayer request and we can all prepare for this awesome trip! 
My first blog post
This summer from May 30th to July 4th I will be going to Gulu Uganda to be an intern for Four Corners Ministries' Abaana's Hope. I am going to start posting blogs here as I prepare for the trip and as I am there! Check here for updates as the time gets closer.
"I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you" -John 14:18
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