All of a sudden.

So.
I am going to Kenya.
In two weeks.
Let me back up a bit.

Our pastor has always used the wise phrase "God doesn't move quickly, he moves all of a sudden."  Which at first thought might make no sense.  Yet time and time again, I look back on our lives and circumstances and realize how very true it is.  This is an all of a sudden move, that has been in the works forever.

Our missions pastor encourages the congregation to have our passports ready because we will never know when we are called to go on a trip, and it would be such a loss to have something like documents keeping us from what God has planned for us.  This spoke deeply to my heart and with prayer and expectation I renewed my passport.  I had no idea what would be coming next.

For over ten years, it has been the desire of my heart to travel and serve the beautiful people of Africa.
I have loved the past decade of staying home, growing and caring for our babies, and stood in prayer and support as trips embarked, knowing that a season would come when I too could travel. 

 Joyfully, now is that season.

In two short weeks, this dream will come true in the most perfect of ways. I will be traveling with our church, to Kenya. We will be working with Pastor Garry and Brenda Kean and their ministry, Jacaranda Creations.  Jacaranda works to empower women in the slums of Nairobi by teaching them to sew, encouraging creativity, and providing income, while building relationships and meeting physical and spiritual needs.  The ministry currently serves over 80 women in 14 sewing centers in and around Nairobi.  I could not imagine a more perfect ministry to come alongside and help.
     
I am halfway to my fundraising goal, and simply amazed at God's constant provision.  Time and time again, when my logic and mind believe that things are impossible, that there isn't enough time, that I am unqualified and unprepared, I am reminded that He is the God of immeasurably more than we could ever ask or hope.

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Ephesians 3:20-21

I have updated the shop with a batch of new printables, and every dollar raised will go towards the trip. With each file you can print as many as you would like.  They make great gifts, and can easily be resized to make into notecards and tags.  

To make things a little more fun, I made this world map pallet sign and as much as I would love to hang it up in my house right now, I would much rather give it away.

 With each print purchase, you will get an entry into the raffle.

 One print, one entry, five prints, five entries, one million prints one million entries...

 I would be happy to paint a phrase of the winner's choice on the sign as well.

If you would prefer to donate directly to the trip, you can access my Managed Missions profile here.


More than anything, I would love your prayers.  Prayers that I conquer, if not at least lessen my fear of flying, prayers for unity, preparation, financial provision for the team, safety, and sensitivity to the work that God has prepared for us. 
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.  
1 Timothy 2:1-4
Thank you so much for being a part of this beautiful all of a sudden.


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25 Comments

  1. {cuppakim}April 28, 2014 at 10:14 AM

    this. is. exciting.
    i can't wait to hear more about this adventure, girl. you have my prayers and support!

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  2. HaleyApril 28, 2014 at 10:38 AM

    So exciting!!! I love the mission behind Jacaranda Creations. Your new prints look great and I can't wait to purchase one. Good luck with your fundraising and my prayers will be with your on your journey.

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  3. meg duerksenApril 28, 2014 at 10:49 AM

    i just. can't. even.
    :)
    i am so happy for you!!!!!! excited for you!!!! it's going to be amazing. YAY!

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  4. BetsyApril 28, 2014 at 10:57 AM

    Such happy news! I love when God works like this, and I love your attitude of being prepared for the unexpected - both in heart and practicality! I will be praying for fundraising, wisdom and that the Spirit would fill your heart with overflowing grace, peace and love as you walk into this adventure!

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  5. UnknownApril 28, 2014 at 12:10 PM

    I'm with meg! i just. can't. even.

    Hugs!

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  6. AnonymousApril 28, 2014 at 12:38 PM

    Seriously amazing. And encouraging!!! So I'm off to buy prints and say prayers. Thanks for an opportunity to help:)

    Jessie

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  7. AnonymousApril 28, 2014 at 12:52 PM

    Oh, oh, oh! I am so excited for you and for these printables! I am traveling to Rwanda in July with an organization that has a similar mission: empowering the widows of the Rwandan genocide to break the chains of poverty! Your printables will be perfect inspiration for the team. Thank you!! In preparation for this trip, I've started a blog of my own at http://athousandhillsandme.wordpress.com/. I'd love for you to visit sometime : )

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  8. paigeApril 28, 2014 at 1:13 PM

    these are fabulous! just ordered "invest"!

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  9. AnonymousApril 28, 2014 at 1:16 PM

    This is wonderful! I have a friend who is going to Kenya next week, and in two weeks I am embarking on a journey to Romania! You will certainly be in my prayers as we are both preparing!

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  10. Kimberlee JostApril 28, 2014 at 2:13 PM

    Amazing! I love when it when God moves that way. I can't wait to hear your heart when you return home already. Will be praying for you!

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  11. AnonymousApril 28, 2014 at 2:19 PM

    I'm so excited for you, Julie! I got my prints- my heart skipped a beat when I saw the Joshua 1:9 print- My life verse! Love you1

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  12. UnknownApril 28, 2014 at 2:33 PM

    How awesome Julie!! What exciting and amazing news!!

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  13. CourtneyApril 28, 2014 at 3:41 PM

    I knew it, I knew when you posted the picture of your passport yesterday! I'm so happy for you. Also, I completely agree with the "God doesn't move quickly, he moves all of a sudden.", that needs to be a printable!

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  14. UnknownApril 29, 2014 at 5:49 AM

    YOU are such a blessing to your readers. Well, at least to me. I love your courage, honesty, and heart. Also, I happen to think your missions pastor is correct. I haven't ever had a passport and it's prevented me from loving God's children when He's called me to. I'm going to be brave like you and go get after life.

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  15. UnknownApril 29, 2014 at 6:14 AM

    Oh my! You never cease to amaze me lady! Praying for your trip and all the stories that are to be told in the future. xox

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  16. UnknownApril 29, 2014 at 9:57 AM

    So happy for you! Will totally be praying for you and your team. xoxoxo

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  17. The Mershawn'sApril 29, 2014 at 10:21 AM

    My husband served 2 weeks last summer in Nairobi, Kenya. Serving children their one meal of the day in the slums impacted him & our family deeply. He said their joy was so great when they had seemingly nothing. An incredible trip that even changed my life back at home. Praying your trip is immeasurably more than you could ever dream. Honored to give to help you get there. Have fun!

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  18. LisaApril 29, 2014 at 2:01 PM

    Very exciting! Hoping to buy some prints. Love all of them!

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  19. TrishApril 29, 2014 at 2:03 PM

    how wonderfully exciting!!! can't wait to hear all about it!

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  20. Leslie @ top of the pageApril 29, 2014 at 9:27 PM

    How will you even handle all the blessings that will come from this?? Sewing with ladies in Kenya? For reals. Also I'm ordering an extra print just because you did not title this post "All of the sudden," not even as a joke, because then I would have gotten hives.

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  21. LoriMay 2, 2014 at 8:39 PM

    I love your prints and am happy to have another reason to buy some. :) At some point will you be including the "today I will choose joy" one that was on your IG?

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  22. UnknownMay 3, 2014 at 8:17 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  23. Jessica JohnsonMay 7, 2014 at 3:09 PM

    I am so proud of you and excited for you. Take me in your suitcase.

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  24. LoriMay 9, 2014 at 5:42 PM

    Loving my prints! Many blessings to you on your journey!

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  25. cherylMay 18, 2014 at 10:35 AM

    Hi Julie, my 20 year old daughter, Mercy Grace, is in Uganda right now, and for the next 7 weeks, serving with Sole Hope and orphanages in Jinja. I am so excited to have found your prints. i'm going to order some for her room to surprise her with for her return. the lyrics to Oceans was a very big inspiration and catalyst for her trip, so it's PERFECT!!!! <3

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