My new venture/job

I first learned of Trades of Hope in late 2013 and was hesitant to be involved because I do not like "selling." But the Holy Spirit was nudging me, and truly this organization was like finding a piece of a puzzle that had been missing for some time.

A journalist/writer/photographer by trade, God called me to walk away from a lucrative public relations career in early 2012 to stay home with my family. He sent me to Sierra Leone (Africa) to serve missionary friends who needed stories and photos for their website and marketing. My time there was a blessing as these friends are gifted in helping people use their spiritual gifts and seek God's call on how to use them to serve Him. So I came home and waited to see what God would have me do. In June 2012, He called me to start a counter-culture magazine and ministry for preteen/teen girls. It would help girls see true beauty, their value and identity in Christ, their power as a sisterhood of encouragers and world changers. And it exposes and educates them to global issues like HIV, poverty and trafficking. Part of the original vision of Mighty Strong Girls was to help women use trades in their cultures to escape the risks they face, but I didn't know exactly what that might look like.

The ministry off the ground, God then called my family to adopt. And when I discovered Trades of Hope, I fell in love with the stories behind the beautiful, handmade items. I knew this would be one way to raise money for our adoption. When I returned from a second visit to Sierra Leone in January 2014, I discovered the income I was expecting this spring wasn't going to come through: The class I was schedule to teach was cancelled. But I wasn't without hope since God had just called me to sign up for Trades of Hope!

How awesome is God to connect all the dots and allow me to be part of something to continue sharing the stories of girls? Not only giving them hope, but allowing me to have hope through His plan for my life.

Now you are here and you are part of that plan, too. By supporting my Trades of Hope store, you are lifting up my family and allowing women around the world to see their dreams of a better life fulfilled.

With sincere gratitude for your support,
Amy

Taking a spa to Sierra Leone

      I am working on editing the script for the spa. I'm leaving the country tomorrow, crossing the Atlantic Ocean and giving "spa" treatments on the African continent to my friends and then some orphans. 
     I am earnestly still wrapping my head around this. 
     Apparently God didn't get the memo that I'm not a girly-girl. I don't like spas. I used to, but my feet are gross. Pedicures make me uncomfortable. Pampering myself makes me feel selfish. Spas are extravagant, and the world needs less of this. There are starving children, and I am doing a spa.What. The. Heck.
     Yep. This is EXACTLY what God has called me to do. I'm so glad I've been doing the Experiencing God study and that I've been open to hear His voice. Because a part of me wants to tell God to take this idea and shove it.

~~~~

 
     Last night, my sweet daughter told me she wants to be a missionary in Britain. Because she's fascinated with Britain. She loves everything about books and movies set there, and she adores the accent and landscape. She so wants to live there. We gently stroked her hair, told her we loved her and then laughed! 
     "Honey, God doesn't always call us EXACTLY where we want to go just because that's where we want to go." 
     "What? But I want to go somewhere that doesn't require shots." 
     We chuckled some more and explained that shots are sometimes necessary, even to do some of the things we want right here in the United States.
     I told her, again, the story of how I let go of my full-time job because God wanted to find me with open arms. He wanted to speak to me about how He was going to use me, and I needed to drop what was in my hands to receive what He wanted to place there. 
     And yet, I kept trying to pick up everything I could get near. 
    After He sent me on a short-term mission trip to Sierra Leone, which I loved, I thought surely I would be a missionary journalist. I would LOVE that — traveling, photographing and writing about people all over the world. Heck yes! 
     No.  
     Fundraising for missions? 
     No. 
     A different type of photography? 
     No. 
     Other kinds of artwork? 
     No. 
     And then God said...a magazine for teen girls. 
     How about a magazine for moms? 
     No. 
     And when I finally said yes, He gave me everything I needed. Much of it I already had: a passion for teens, the ability to design a magazine, the desire to start my own magazine (going back eight years) and experience of having already launched a magazine. 
     My hesitation was the who. I liked being around teens. But I hardly felt qualified to be a leader. Indeed, I wasn't. But God is working on qualifying me! All He wanted was my Yes and He's taking care of the rest.
     Now I'm falling in love with everything about what I get to do. 
     Even the spa. 
    

~~~~

     At the end of summer, we were on the cusp of new adventures: the start of homeschool and volunteering at a local homeless shelter of sorts. And we got to have a visit with family on Labor Day weekend. 
    My kids and their cousin wanted to play spa. At first, grandma was against this "messy" idea. But like I sometimes do, I went behind her back and let them. We decided to do it outside so that water spills wouldn't be an issue. We found an old tub and soap and filled it with warm water. Grandma even decided to donate some of her tools to the cause. 
     Everyone in the house, man and woman and even great-grandma, visited the spa. It was the talk of the town! The kids enjoyed it (and the tips they ended up getting) and didn't feel like they were "serving" but simply enjoyed making other people happy. 
     Here they are hard at work:

     About six weeks later, my friend Jan gave us a treat at a Mighty Strong Girls board retreat. A little spa pampering and devotion. It was an amazing experience that involved relaxation, love and the Holy Spirit. I was so moved by her sense of service and the tremendous impression the experience had on my life and relationship with the Lord! 
     Not long after, the kids and I were volunteering at the homeless shelter — Inner City Mission — and after we left I was deep in prayer. My daughter had connected with a resident — a woman who was clearly in a rough spot. Someone I was, much as I hate to admit, trying hard to ignore. Because I could tell it would be messy and broken, and frankly I didn't want to be involved. 
     But Abby wasn't afraid. Our visit got extended by two hours so we could simply hang out with her and her son.
    Not long after, God put it on my heart that we needed to do something for her and the other ladies there. Something to show them how loved they are, something to pamper them. 
     I thought about the two spas, and I knew (as I cringed) then and there God wanted us to do a spa. I told Abby, and she (as I cringed) LOVED it. 
     From there, it snowballed. Clearly God's plan, He brought all the people to form a team. An awesome meal was donated, prepared and served by volunteers. Teen girls with Mighty Strong Girls served alongside Jan. And get this, Jan's spa doesn't include a foot soak, but I got the sense that God wanted that to be a part of it, kinda like Jesus washing the disciples' feet. I had a woman, Crystal, whom I hardly know message me and ask if she could donate like 20 foot soaks to the ministry. Um....OK! Isn't it so cool how God brings us all together to do His work? I was amazed by it all! My husband, son and other families stepped up to provide daycare back at the house so the women could enjoy the pampering.
     So there is was. Spas. God's work. Not what I wanted. But what He wanted. It was time for me to get out of His way! 
 

~~~~

     As all of this is unfolding, I was struggling with this upcoming mission trip. I know God wants us to go. I knew He didn't want us creating a big plan. I know the purpose of our trip is to experience Him and to listen to the people there. All of that is hard enough for me, since I like to have a plan. I want to know my purpose long in advance. 
     But I also knew God wanted us to do something for our friends living and serving there. I was entertaining a lot of ideas that God was shooting down. 
     Then the spa occurred to me. 
     Really? In Africa? A spa? 
     Yes. 
     But this is Jan's thing? These are her words. I can't possibly do this. It's hers, not mine!
     And then it occurred to me, my dear friend Jan would love to go on this trip but isn't able to. It's like she'll be there with me. How cool is that! When I finally accepted that I will be doing a spa, I relaxed and prayed. Then God gave me the words to share to make the spa complete. 
     I'm scared and nervous and anxious. Because the mission trip I envisioned was full of work and photography and videos and projects to help our missionary friends. I don't feel equipped to do this trip. 
     That is exactly why I know it's from God. He says, Yes. You can.

Does God want you to write something down today?

Today I flipped over the sermon notes page from church and began answering questions. I don't always do this, but if a sermon is particularly compelling, I find I WANT to dive deeper. 

I get to question 4 and look up Romans 15:4, which says, 

"For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." 

My pastor's questions were: What does the verse say about finding encouragement? What simple, overlooked practice is required here? Will you take the action step and do it in order to enjoy endurance and encouragement.

I absolutely love how God works in my life. Earlier this week, I circle verse 3 in Proverbs 16, which says, 

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." 

As I read it, I was reflecting on two specific times in my life that I COMPLETELY surrendered to the Lord. 

1. When I quit my job at the State Journal-Register, which was barely allowing us to make ends meet in our new, huge, custom-built house. We took Financial Peace University at the same time, began tithing for the first time in our lives and just became like rag dolls in our faith. We relaxed and let God own it. Because we were out of options anyway. 

In six months, we paid down some debt, increased our expenses by tithing, created NO new debt and sold our house in the month when we thought we might actually have to put a mortgage payment on a credit card. 

I have to be very clear here. The math did NOT add up. We didn't even write a budget, because it was a bad, bad situation before I quit my job! The fact that we did what we did was only by the grace of God, a miracle that blessed our family immensely. 

2. When I accepted the Lord's call to go to Sierra Leone. I had just quit another job; we had a stack of medical debt after being debt free for a couple years; I would have to figure out how to pay for this trip and then travel alone.

I didn't ask why or resist, because the fact that this was God's will for me was made perfectly clear! 

It should be no surprise that He provided. By the time I wrote letters asking about 20 people to donate toward my trip, I had raised more than half before I asked anyone to give! By the time I went before my church's mission committee to seek a contribution toward the expenses, the trip was covered. By the time I returned, I had more donations to cover the cost of three vinyl banners and 1,000 brochures for my missionary friends. 

So, what does this have to do with the scripture in Romans and in Proverbs?

Write it down. When God provides for you, write it down so you will remember. As you go through tests, twists and turns in life later, your own written testimony — in addition to God's word, like Proverbs 16:3 — will encourage you. 

Friends, I'm going through another trial. And for the first time since high school, my stress level is through the roof. Yet, I know better. 

God has given me the gift of encouragement, and I KNOW through past experience that He will indeed provide! I'm delighted that this week He made it clear that I need to remember those instances to draw on His encouragement!

Later in Proverbs 16, verse 9, it says

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." 

In this season of my life, starting Mighty Strong Girls, I KNOW what He would have me to do. The destination is clearly marked so I know what I'm shooting for. God has given me a clear vision.

In my human tendencies, there are days I just want to arrive. I'm frustrated by what feels like spinning wheels, financial woes and shackled plans. But there is no end point for God's work. When we arrive at one destination, He creates another. My steps are truly each determined by Him and in sync with His will. And He is wiser than I am! 

I have to be ready to take each next step, focusing only on it and through Him and His provision, to reach the ultimate goal. In this manner, He keeps me close through prayer, and reliant on Him! It feels good to know He loves me so much that He wants to keep in constant contact with me! Have you ever noticed, where there's love, there's obedience — even when there's not a full understanding — so that we can keep our faithfulness?

What's your story? Write it down, even if it's only for you, to encourage you when you're in life's trenches that His provision will come in His time! Or, pray about whether God wants you to share your story as a testimony of encouragement for others! It makes such a huge difference when you can be fueled by encouragement instead of slowed down by discouragement! 

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Dear friends and family: 

'Tis the season for madness. I'm not talking about long lines, busy schedules or unhealthy eating. It's that time of year when we make Ryker get in family photos with the rest of us. For most families, it gets easier to take family photos the older the kids get. That theory does not hold true in the Denney house, where a photographer's child just cannot get his act together for a photo shoot that could take 20 minutes. With Ryker, it lasts half the day. And if we're lucky, we get ONE good shot. 

This year, we nearly missed Abby's musical rehearsal and didn't get all the poses mom wanted and had to eat lunch in the car. But we decided to go with the flow and do something different and Abby-inspired .... because the memory isn't really in the "perfect" photo anyway. The memory is in the experience and all the outtakes that come with the perfect shot. 

Enjoy our 2012 digital (and "green" and might I note...on time!) Christmas cards by clicking on the gray link below, and if you have the time, read the letter posted below!  

2012 Christmas


     2012. 
     No ordinary year. 
     Reeling from a serious bout of pneumonia turned into potentially deadly sepsis, Dan was still off work and recouperating in January. As the high doses of steroids wore off, his back condition -- a herniated disc -- was suddenly at its worst! It had not quite been six months since he'd had three rounds of high-dose steroid injections in his spine. Still, he ended up getting three more. 
     As the demands of raising children and balancing a household became apparent, Amy stepped away from the first 9-5 full-time job she'd had in nine years and only managed to keep for seven months! Then she went on a short-term trip to Africa to get stories and photos and build a website and blog for missionary friends, Rick and Paula Miller. Check it out at lifegateinafrica.org. Dan and Amy are praying about a planned trip to Sierra Leone in December 2013. If you are interested in construction, journalism or orphans, start praying about joining us! 
     Dan took a short-term trip to Ukraine in August, and about the same time, Amy officially formed Mighty Strong Girls, a non-profit to battle the downward spiral of negative self image in girls. She is officially a missionary and working to raise up supporters for this new ministry. 
     Keeping us busiest of all are the kids! Baseball and softball in the spring. A fun two-week session of drama camp in the summer. Ryker emerged as a great leader on his football team this fall. They lost twice as many games as they won, but they were so fun to watch! They battled back to win an exciting bowl game, and as soon as football ended, basketball began. Abby auditioned for the 9-year-old lead in "White Christmas" at a local theater. She didn't get the part, but she landed on the children's choir. She's singing and dancing in three numbers, with opening night set for well, tonight! We'll be busy with that the next three weekends, and both kids are ready to audition for another musical. They keep us chasing our tails, but it also prevents us all from getting into any trouble! 
     The orphan we support in Sierra Leone apparently wasn't immune to the family drama. He got a nasty case of malaria that threatened his brain and landed in the hospital. Not the kind of hospital we might want our children to go to. He was in a small dirt-floor room with no window or door coverings for IV  medicines and other treatments for several days. But James, who is 9, pulled through and we got to see photos of him smiling in front of his orphanage after he recovered. Praise God for so many answered prayers! 
     Dan was elected elder at our church this fall and is looking forward to serving as a leader at Athens Christian Church once again. 
     We can't thank you, our precious family and friends, enough for your prayers in the last 12 months. They have been the most emotional and challenging months of our married life, draining us financially and emotionally. And yet, this time has left us feeling nothing but blessed. We were filled up with the Holy Spirit, thanks to you! I'm literally moved to tears thinking about how you prayed us through each and every encounter -- good or bad -- we experienced in this last calendar year and gave us your support through any means you have available. God has been so, so good to us, and we are far from spiritually drained. He has filled up our tanks, given us more hope and grace than we deserve, and inspired us with visions of how we can use our gifts to serve Him in 2013. We are ready for anything and looking forward to all of it! 
     May God bless you abundantly in the coming days, weeks and months! 
     Much love,
     Dan, Amy, Abby & Ryker Denney

P.S. The kids think it's pretty funny how easily I made this face! Watch the video for more funny faces! :-) 

Angry and sad and confusing....oh my!

Warning: This post is harsh, but it gets better. So please in the name of all that's decent and right in this world, stick with it, love me in my unlovable state and read it all the way through!


Lately I've been sad a lot. God's really breaking my heart for the things that break his. And it's, well, really truly heart-breaking in ways I never knew I could be be heartbroken. 


For instance, I couldn't listen to an NPR story on chronic acute malnutrition in a Yemen village this morning without bawling. 


Maybe because I've seen it...face-to-face. And "it" has a name. Lots of names. Sadly I didn't even get this woman's name, because I had to walk away. I could not muster a single word, and I was "working" lest I cry right then and there! She has given birth to eight children. Three of them are currently walking the earth. She has named and then said good-bye to five of her own, burying them in the ground before they had a chance to grow up. And here's the thing: It's not a fluke. This is one of many, many sobering realities for the poorest on our planet. Did she do something to deserve this life? Just try to look one of them in the eyes and ever say or think it. The reality is THIS COULD BE YOU. The only difference between this woman and me is the place we were born. 

I've also been angry lately. Oh, so angry. At God somewhat for the state of our world, for not giving me more resources to help the heartbroken. But mostly at other people. With their new cars, vacations, ridiculous "toys," weekly mani/pedis, rituals that involve their hair. You get the point. I'm angry at how it seems people take things for granted. I am angry at the reality that a mom in Africa is forced to wait a week to take her dying child to see a doctor because she doesn't have $1 -- the amount it takes to get a cab and get there.


Did you know that Americans spend $31 billion on their pets every year, $13 billion on plastic surgery, $65 billion on jewelry and an astounding $705 billion on entertainment and recreation? 


Did you know if every American church-goer tithed, there would be an extra $168 billion? To eliminate the most extreme poverty on the planet for more than a billion people, it would require 40 percent of that -- $65 billion. 


These numbers -- presented in "The Hole in Our Gospel" -- kind of make me more sad. 



I am angry, too, because the place where I come from -- my upbringing, my world -- put such a high value on "things," more stuff and achievement that is tied to a dollar figure. I watch as people I love look down their noses at their own family members who can't "afford" a car or boat or RV (loan) and snub their own blood, blaming them for not being successful enough to pay their own way. 


Then I wonder where my parents would have been without the occasional handout from my grandparents or where we would be without my parents helping out. Certainly we wouldn't have paid off all our debt without the occasional shoes, back-to-school clothes and food that my own and my husband's parents have aided us with over the years. And without their help, how could we possibly leave a legacy for our own children. How can we teach them what money means if we aren't showing them? 


1 Timothy 6:17-19 says "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they make take hold of life that is truly life."


I love the way Richard Stearns also describes the parable Jesus tells in Matthew 25:14. The master gives to each "according to his ability," but what he expects is that we multiply our gifts for his kingdom. I want my kids to know: It all comes from God; we are not entitled to it but entrusted with it and we are to use it to further his kingdom. 


God talks to us more about money than most any other subject. He WANTS us to have wisdom in this matter. This I know well, but I'm reading along thinking of all the people I know who could do so much to further God's kingdom, to end pain and suffering, to feed the poor, to help a woman in Africa watch her children grow past age 5 or get a cab to see a doctor. I was literally getting mad at what the people in my life are NOT doing. Can you imagine my indignation and self-righteousness? 


Then I read on in Stearns' book last night to discover that 87 percent of non-churchgoers view Christians as judgmental, 85 percent view Christians as hypocritical, 70 percent view us as insensitive to others and 72 percent believe we are out of touch with reality. 


Yikes. Was he writing that for me? 


And so I MUST turn the table if I am to call myself a Christian. I must get that darned plank out of my eye. Because to be Christian is to be Christ-like. And besides loving ALL people, Christ was forgiving, revolutionary, truthful, radical and genuine. 


There it is. MUCH WORK is to be done in me. Who am I to be sad or angry and then judgmental when I'm sitting here among the 1 percent of the world's wealthiest people? And then, to make matters worse, look at that scripture in Timothy again. He is calling out the "rich," and while I may not feel rich in my society, the reality is I AM rich, and there's no dollar amount on the call to action here: Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. The time for action is NOW. 


The church doesn't exist within the four walls where I worship every Sunday. And I love this quote in Stearns' book, too, by Billy Sunday: "Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car."


Will you take this challenge with me, Christian sisters and brothers? Will you take the church to the people? Will you help be the hands, feet and mouth of Jesus? Will you be radical and revolutionary with me? 


Look at the woman above again. She's beautiful, isn't she? She's happy (probably more so than most Americans) and she has faith in a great God who can perform miracles. Brother and sister, WE are her miracle! She is praying for us, for us to be the hands and feet. 


God gave us all the tools and resources to change the world. We have all we need to end poverty. But until we join forces in faith, we can never create the church that God envisioned!

My sincerest thank you to you all!!

I just don't know how to do it. To adequately thank everyone. Some of you prayed. Some gave money. Some gave encouragement. Some gave advice. Some gave love. 


But only some got thank you notes. I FINALLY finished up my notes, though not all have been delivered. This is a big step, if you know me!


Ryker thought I should send one to everyone who prayed for my trip to Africa. I didn't even know how to begin to tackle that list. So I mailed out or handed out notes and prints to those who financially supported my trip. However, I want to say that while these people made it possible for me to pay the bills, my trip simply could not have been accomplished without the prayers. Or the encouragement. Or the love. Or the advice. 


You were all such a critical part of this very important project in my life, and for that I thank you. From the bottom of my heart. I'm not sure what that expression means. But it sounds like a deep gratitude. And that's certainly what I feel for all of you. 


Here are some of my favorite images from Africa that I gifted to some of you. Please follow the blog with stories from Sierra Leone at lifegateinafrica.org to get the full story on these photos and the people in them plus much more! 

{Much love}
Amy

Community and Cans

Sometimes being a mom can be a lonely proposition. In all the busyness, we forget (don't we?) that we're part of something bigger? 


But I can always rely on God to remind me of how big he is, and he lifts me up and gives me perspective. And that's just what happened on Tuesday this week. 


It was Girls on the Run day, and I was set to lead the session. On community. Blah. Seemed boring at first glance, but as I studied the words and prayed about how to share them, a transformation began to happen. Hope started blossoming. Hope in the girls. Hope FOR the girls. Hope for ALL girls.


With two very simple activities, they learned this about community: 


1. For a community (ie. work project, team, family, village) to run smoothly, everyone has to do their part and do it correctly. We have to put our trust in others for the good of a common cause. We have to rely on each other. They illustrated this in a circle, with half the group leaning their weight out and half leaning in.  


2. To effect change, all we have to do is reach out to one or two people. The girls did a relay and when the first girl on each team returned to the line, she tagged two girls instead of one, and those two tagged two. And in no time at all, they finished the race. 


It reminded me that when problems seem too big for me to tackle alone, well, they probably are too big. And that's why we reach out. That's why we rely on others. We can make BIG, BIG changes to make the world a better place, and it all starts with making contact with one or two other people, who (when passionate about your cause) make contact with one or two people and so on.


That night, we gathered on our bed to read our Bible. And I'm sure we're behind significantly on our plan, but we must  be right where God wants us. We read Mark 4:30-32 where God tells his disciples the parable of the mustard seed -- the smallest of all seeds but when planted becomes the largest of all garden plants. He compared it to the kingdom of God. 
Ryker said he liked the story, but I wasn't entirely sure of its meaning, so I asked Dan to read the footnote in his study Bible. It said: "When you feel alone in your stand for Christ, realize that God is building a worldwide kingdom. He has faithful followers in every part of the world. Your faith, no matter how small, can join with that of others to accomplish great things."


WOW. After traveling to Africa and seeing GREAT faith in the villages where often that's all people have to rely on because there isn't adequate healthcare, enough food or a trustworthy government, it reminded me that while I am small, I am truly part of something HUGE! Because they rely on God, and God uses his army of Christians to provide help to these small villages and in all corners of the world. 


On Thursday, the Girls on the Run girls got together and brainstormed ideas for their community project. They were randomly numbered off by one of the other coaches, and on one of the teams were several girls who go to my church. Two whose families are collecting aluminum cans to donate. They're being sold by one of our pastors. To buy rice. For kids in an orphanage in an African village that I had visited during my trip. Their idea for a community service project: invite everyone in the community to donate their aluminum and imagine the rice we can buy for the orphans!
Each of the three teams submitted ideas, and this one won by a landslide! 


I love the concept of community being taught to these girls, because it's such a CRITICAL lesson! But how beautiful that God used it as an opportunity to remind our family of how a faithful community is rewarded with the gift of being able to accomplish great things in his name! 

Here are some of the beautiful kids from the orphanage, currently located in Waterloo, Sierra Leone. If you would like to donate aluminum cans or other aluminum to help with the Girls on the Run project, please call me at 801.7464 or drop off your donation on my porch before next Wednesday. Thanks for being part of the Girls on the Run community, which is making a difference for the Children's Redemption Orphanage Home community in Africa!

African kids are so ... awesome!

Brigette Village is a fishing community, so the beach is often where the action is and we spent a fair amount of time camped out there. I took photos from lots of angles above and then walked down to get some shots and stories of the men fishing, mending nets and selling their catches to the women who were waiting on the beach for the boats to come in. All the while, there were others there selling and working. I got so caught up in the beautiful, busy scene, I didn't notice I was the only woman on the beach without a scarf on my head. Rick got scolded by a man and brought me a scarf. Not wanting to pause for a break, I simply threw it on my head and continued. But there's quite a breeze on the beach, and it wouldn't stay put. All the women have their scarves tied in different ways, creating fashion statements with beautiful material. I figured it couldn't be too hard to tie it up and make it stay put. But I was wrong! I handed Rick my camera and fumbled through trying to tie the scarf, getting nowhere fast. A group of children following me (they follow white people everywhere!) included a couple giggling girls. So, I looked at them and asked if they could do it for me. I wasn't sure they would understand (few speak English), but I bent down and they fixed me right up in about 15 seconds. :-) 

The next day, we visited a neighboring village and used a high school classroom to hear testimonies. I stepped outside to take photos and interview some of the adult church members. And low and behold, the children all came running out of the school to see what the white people were doing. I kind of felt like a rock star. 

And just look at their precious faces!

While we were waiting for our ride, we all thought Paula might disappear in the sea of children. The pastors tried persuading them back to their classrooms, but like most children, they didn't want to miss any of the excitement going on in the village!

Smiles in Africa

Everywhere I went, children yelled, "Snap me!" Nobody seemed afraid or hesitant to have their photograph taken. 

But while many children would grin from ear-to-ear when a camera turned toward them, adults had a way of shutting off any happy expressions. Nearly every grownup I photographed had to be urged to smile with their teeth. And I have to say, the urging was nearly necessary, because how much more personality do you see behind the toothy grins? Special thanks to Rick Miller and Pastor 'Professor' 'Doctor' Justus for helping get some authentic smiles....totally worth it!

I'm back!

I will have plenty to write about my first trip to Africa. But I really want to spend some time in prayer about it so that I choose the right words and fulfill God's purpose. 


First, though, I want to thank all of you for holding me in your prayers! I was VERY nervous about navigating the airports alone. My flight into London arrived an hour early. I laid on a bench and slept for three hours, waking up to find out my outgoing flight to Freetown was delayed by four hours! It was a long day in Heathrow, but God heard your prayers and found a few angels who looked after me. One man I met in Heathrow ended up in line in front of me at the very chaotic scene at the airport in Sierra Leone. He took my passport and told all the officials we were traveling together, moving me swiftly through the tight crowd. He had grown up in Freetown but moved away 20 years ago and was very comfortable with the circumstances that were quite foreign and intimidating to me at first glance. What a God-send he was! On the way back, I made the much tighter schedule of connecting flights so that I got home right on time to see my babies! I encountered absolutely no problems in the airports. Praise God! 


And the conditions at the Guest House were much better than I anticipated. And I ate locally prepared food in the villages, and did not get even the slightest bit sick. But best of all, I videotaped and photographed dozens of local people who were eager to share their stories about the impact Rick and Paula Miller's ministries are making in their lives. We were very fruitful in crossing every single "to-do" off of our list, even despite a few hiccups. Thank you so much for praying for me. Thank you, God! 


I'll post at least one image for now, with many more to come. This is a group of siblings in Brigette Village. The moms all carry babies slung tightly in fabric across their backs. Here, big sis is taking care of the baby just like a mom would. All the kids in the village look out for one another. 

I will be a hummingbird, God!

A friend and former co-worker of mine read my blog about how God had called me to go to Africa, and it reminded her of this song, "I Refuse." She is a missionary. A full-time medical worker who uses much of her paid personal time off to help children in Haiti. She goes more than once a year. I admire her, among so many others. 


Not everyone can go, it's true. But as I followed through with obedience on this call in my life right now, I was reminded by a speaker at a conference that the body of Christ is composed of many parts. I can be his eyes, but thanks to many financial supporters of my trip, I have feet to get me there. And with prayer support, I have hands. I may be physically going alone, but I'm accomplishing nothing alone. I initially tried to say NO to this trip because I didn't have the funds. That's not what God wanted. He pursued until I said yes, still without the finances. And then they came. I must humble myself to be reminded it's not about me; it's simply me letting God use me to accomplish his will in a much bigger story. He pulled at my heartstrings and showed me the cost of saying No. This week, I will be a hummingbird. Consider this video and the song lyrics to "I Refuse." 

I Refuse lyrics
Songwriters: Benjamin Glover;Joshua David Wilson

Sometimes I
I just want to close my eyes
And act like everyone's alright
When I know they're not

This world needs God
But it's easier to stand and watch
I could say a prayer and just move on
Like nothing's wrong

But I refuse
'Cause I don't want to live like I don't care
I don't want to say another empty prayer
Oh, I refuse

To sit around and wait for someone else
To do what God has called me to do myself
Oh, I could choose
Not to move but I refuse

I can hear the least of these
Crying out so desperately
And I know we are the hands and feet
Of You, oh God

So, if You say move
It's time for me to follow through
And do what I was made to do
Show them who You are

'Cause I don't want to live like I don't care
I don't want to say another empty prayer
Oh, I refuse

To sit around and wait for someone else
To do what God has called me to do myself
Oh, I could choose
Not to move but I refuse

To stand and watch the weary and lost
Cry out for help
I refuse to turn my back
And try and act like all is well

I refuse to stay unchanged
To wait another day, to die to myself
I refuse to make one more excuse

'Cause I don't want to live like I don't care
I don't want to say another empty prayer
Oh, I refuse

To sit around and wait for someone else
To do what God has called me to do myself
Oh, I could choose
Not to move but I refuse

I refuse
I refuse

PEACE

And so it hits...the feeling of being overwhelmed. Lots to do. Things to cross off my list. Buy. Prepare. Appointments to schedule. Bills to pay. Groceries to stock up on. And the list rolls on and on. In my head. At 3 a.m. Monday. 


Typical -- at least for me -- is the anxiety that comes with the preparation for something big. In this case, it's leaving my family for nine days to travel -- alone -- to Sierra Leone. And for me, anxiety usually attacks at night. I had a big case of it on Sunday night. I could not fall asleep, and then I woke up in the same trap of mentally going over my list. 


Don't get me wrong. It's a big list. With important tasks. Yet I decided instead of tackling it Monday morning I would...leave my house. Leave town. Leave it behind. 


I packed my bike, my Bible and a small notebook into my Jeep along with my kids on Monday morning. I dropped the kids off at school and headed to a nearby bike path. 


Before I set off, I sat in the driver's seat and thought about what scripture I would read. I could pick up where our family last left off in our Bible reading plan. I really wanted to dig into some Proverbs. They're always so encouraging, and I could definitely use some wisdom and guidance. 


But my fingers gravitated elsewhere. They headed for Philippians, chapter four. I love Paul's letters, especially the short ones that are jam-packed with gospel truths, advice and encouragement. 


I rode five miles to a pond where I could settle in for some solitude, albeit to the sound of interstate traffic, and meditate on Paul's words. 


It was soul food for me at this moment. Because the anxiety I felt Sunday night didn't compare to the worry that overwhelmed me when I read my email after dropping off the kids at school. 


Let me back up. One of the necessities required for my upcoming travels is a Visa. To get that, I needed my travel itinerary and a yellow fever vaccine (I couldn't travel until 10 days after getting it). Once I had that, I began communicating with a travel agent. We picked some dates, and then I spent the next 3 days trying to reach my sister in Germany and change the date so I could spend a day with her and my brother-in-law who -- it turns out -- would be in London during my layover. It wasn't a long enough layover and they were leaving about the same time, but I figured the timing of this must be from God. So I went to business trying to rearrange the date of arrival in London. That killed several days. (And didn't work...the price was $600 more for 24 hours with my sister. Boo.)


I was waiting to apply for my Visa until I booked the flight. In my haste, it didn't occur to me that the arrival date in Sierra Leone wouldn't change, only London. By the time I finally contacted the Embassy of Sierra Leone, I discovered I would have to MAIL my passport to Washington D.C. It was now 10 days before my trip. This was the email I read right after I dropped off the kids Monday morning. A call to my husband didn't ease my worries. He seemed as freaked out as me, and so I decided that God definitely was sending me on this journey so I could "give it to him." 


As I settled down to find calm and comfort in Philippians, I came to one of my favorites, verse 6: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God."


Wow. Don't be anxious about ANYTHING. Okay. I definitely didn't like the feeling that was overwhelming me this morning. My acid reflux was a reflection of how severe the toll of stress was! I wanted, no I craved this reassurance. Praise God for it!


But my mind also settled on the word THANKSGIVING. In all my worry, how quick I was to forget how easily God brought me to this very moment. Everything had come together. He had shown me, quite clearly, this was his will. Not that I had quickly accepted the call, but he had reassured me all during March and early April that I am to do this. The constant reassurance came in so many forms and through so many people, and yet I had not expressed my gratitude to God! I had a lot to be thankful for! 


Moving to verse 7, Paul says if we come to God with prayer, leaving anxiety behind, we get a reward: "And the peace of God which transcends understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Further down in verse 9, "Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me -- put into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."


Paraphrasing verses 11 through 13, Paul says he's learned to be content, that he's actually learned the SECRET to contentment in ALL circumstances, whether "well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want," which is "I can do all this through him who gives me strength." I used to visualize Jesus giving me strength in sickness or difficult days of mommyhood, but after attending a Fellowship of Christian Athletes conference and listening to a Christian NFL quarterback whose name escapes me at the moment (Dan would be disgusted! LOL!), I have  new perspective. He said Paul's secret to contentment came when he realized that if everything he treasured in life was stripped away, having Christ would still be enough. Because the only thing with absolute certainty is Jesus. We WILL face trials and challenges. Everyone's will be different. The question is, do we worship those things and people that could be taken from us so much so that if they are, when they are, we will be bitter, angry at God and discontent? Or will Jesus be enough in all our circumstances? The secret to being content, to being at peace, is to know that Jesus is always sufficient. Easy to say; harder to put into practice! (Makes me think of "It is Well with My Soul" hymn-writer Horatio Spafford, who exemplifies this much like Job!)


As I wrapped up this precious time alone with God, I wrote down one more verse from chapter four, verse 19: "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." 


These are Paul's words after scribbling notes of thanks for all the gifts his supporters had sent him. That resonated with me, as a big portion of my trip is already funded because of those people around me who wanted to support this both in prayer and financially, and I treasure them as I do Paul's promise that my God will come through. 


Then I wrote in all capital letters: PEACE and CONTENTMENT. It was really what I needed in this moment, in this day. I needed it as an ailment for my anxiety but also as a secret weapon for what's to come. Without it, I would have been a wreck later that day as the well-meaning postal worker rattled off all the reasons I shouldn't go to Sierra Leone and that I had left myself a tight time frame to get my Visa with the wiggle room of...one day! I pray it also comes in handy to help me find rest and revival on my flights and calm confidence during the nerve-wracking airport navigation portions of my trip. 


Actually, I know it will. Because of God's promise. And he reassured me once again as I encountered these words: 

From my morning devotion: May the God of peace . . . equip you with everything good for doing his will. HEBREWS 13:20-21, NIV 

And as I opened Dan's bible to look up a scripture this morning and found a highlighter tucked between the pages where he had very recently marked this verse: Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58. 

That Visa WILL come. I WILL go to Sierra Leone. But I WILL still need (and love to have) your prayers! And no matter what...I WILL have peace and contentment. 

Thanks for sharing in this journey!

{Much love}

Amy

I'm going to Africa!

The truth is...I've ALWAYS wanted to go to Africa. My dad had a subscription to National Geographic when I was growing up. I loved looking at the images of the animals, terrain, not to mention the interesting people -- so different from myself!

After working in journalism for several years, I had a co-worker who got to go. He was a photographer and writer (so a logical choice), and the images he brought back were amazing. Can you say JEALOUS??? (This is about the time I decided I needed to learn photography...no joke!) There were two stories he was following -- one was the donation of two cheetahs to the Decatur Zoo. They were coming from a reserve in Africa that houses and mates cheetahs specifically to sell to zoos. A Decatur businessman was making this donation, and it was a pretty exciting development for this central Illinois town. (Eventually, I got to get in the enclosure with them when they arrived at the zoo. So exhilarating! Well, probably not as much as seeing them in Africa, though!) The other story was about a local church that was volunteering to build a well for safe, clean drinking water in a village. This was well before I had become a Christian, yet I wanted to do something like this. I really appreciated the humanitarian side of this project.

Fast forward a decade or so, and here I am. Weeks away from going to Africa. Last week, I honestly didn't know if I'd ever go.

God has a sense of humor. Really. Because a couple months ago, he called me to quit my job. I got the sense he wanted me to evangelize because of the scriptures I encountered as I was praying about what to do. I knew without a doubt, he wanted me to be a part of spreading his word. I knew he wanted me to put my priorities in order: God, family, finances. They were pretty askew! Anyway, the humor part is that my trip isn't glamorous and I thought he was calling me to be with my kids more, not to leave them for 10 days. Plus, no cash on hand to do this! But read on and tell me what you would do if you were in my shoes?

Initially, I didn't know what I would do with my time and my life. But I was prepared to be patient. I thought for sure he wanted me to reorganize my kitchen (it's a HUGE mess), do some spring cleaning and go through my kids' clothes and toys. All the while praying and listening for his voice about how I was to replace some of my income and truly have my priorities in order. I was super content with that. Seemed easy enough!

However, this idea of evangelizing kept coming up. Without changing anything about my habits (I was reading my usual daily devotion, keeping on pace with our church's Bible reading plan and attending all the same church functions as usual), this is what I encountered:

Matthew 9:37-38
The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore to send workers into his harvest field.

Isaiah 1:18-20
If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

My minister's sermon that week was the story of Abraham sacrificing his only son Isaac in obedience to God. The bullet points I wrote down:
* take what you value most and offer it to God
* immediate obedience
* faith...knowing God will provide

Several weeks later, during communion meditation at church, I turned to my husband and said, "I really have this strong feeling I'm supposed to do something with mission work."

I wish I was making this up, but when we got home from church, I had a private message on Facebook from a missionary friend, Paula Miller, who has asked me several times to come to Africa and take photos but who I hadn't exchanged a message with since she asked how Dan was doing on Dec. 17. Here's an excerpt:

Another note, I am hoping that we can get together for some pics of the family when we get back. We really need to get a brochure together to take on our travels through the states.... Lady, you really ought to consider coming here and taking some pics for us too! we would love to have you here! We will end up in the states in Sept, so we are here til then. What do you think????

You could call that crazy. Or you could say God was speaking to me on March 4. I'm not taking any chances. After exchanging a few messages with Paula, it became clear. Their mission work is in GROWTH MODE big time! They need help -- volunteers, financing, prayers, you name it. I have the tools and abilities to put together publicity material for them, not to mention in my favorite format: STORYTELLING! They need to share their stories! I can do that. It's my gift. I had to say yes. I have to go!

But wait. No money. No job anymore. Medical debt from Dan's illness.

I went back and read the scriptures I had written down from the week God called me away from my full-time job. Again, call me crazy. But it sounds like he's reassuring me to have faith. To trust. I have to be obedient. I have to go. There's no question.

Take a look:

Matthew 10: 9-10
Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts; take no bag for the journey, or extra tunic or sandals or a staff; for the worker is worth his keep.

Matthew 28-31
Do no be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

God himself will provide. I don't know how. This trip and the materials (and my time to design them) will be costly. But worthwhile. Kingdom work. I feel almost ill equipped, but he called. I answered. It's time. I must step out in faith.

The exciting part you might have caught wind of on Facebook yesterday? As I scheduled my needed vaccines, I sent a quick note to the new editor of Springfield's Own magazine about my trip. Praying for a chance at a little extra publicity. Guess what? She wants me to write an 1,800-word story about the Millers, plus a 650-word sidebar about the orphanage. Photos, an accompanying video for their web site. And what else? Possibly the cover story. For September. The month the Millers will be in the States taking their message to churches all over, and here in Illinois. Wow. God is so, so good! And that just excited me to my bones yesterday, and I could hardly contain it. But I wanted to wait and make sure Rick and Paula knew first before they read it on my blog or on Facebook! 

Here's a photo of the Millers I took last time they were home in Athens. Their daughters are about the same age as Abby and Ryker. Aren't they adorable???

Want to help me out? Have a heart for orphans or the poor? Here's what you can do: 

PRAY. Pray for me, my trip, my ability to tell these stories effectively and reach people who can partner with the Millers to CHANGE LIVES in Sierra Leone. This is a poor, poor country. Not only has Rick started the perfect ministry (Bibletelling School) to reach the illiterate population here, but they are launching a Christian school to educate children and they are building an orphanage so that children with no home or family of their own can sleep off the dirt floor. 

DONATE. You can send donations specifically for my trip to me at 408 E. Oak Grove, Athens, IL 62613. Or, become a regular supporter for Bibletelling teachers in Sierra Leone via the Millers' web site at http://www.bibletellingschool.com/Bible_Telling_School/Home.html

SHARE. Share my blog and/or Facebook page so that others might be able to help, too. And keep reading as I share how it all comes together, not to mention updates about my trip. 


OK, that's it. No baby. No adoption (yet!). I'm not pregnant with triplets, Bob Doty! I am a little scared (I've never traveled alone this far!) and feeling inadequate and a touch worried about finances. But here's the thing, the way God has painted this picture just shows that through him ALL things are possible. His hand is on this. It's so clear to me, and I hope by sharing this story, you can see how he works. 


Oddly, I was angry that six months ago when I accepted the full-time job he didn't answer my prayers for clear direction. This time, I didn't beg him to give me a sign. I just took off to be in solitude for one night in my life and I prayed, "God, I'm sad and unsatisfied in my life. I want to hear you. Open me up to hear what you have to say to me." And then I shut up. I did what I was already doing. And to me, the answers were clear. Quite clear. 

{Much love}

Amy


P.S. If you come over to my house, I'm really sorry about my kitchen. It's just not in God's plans right now! :) 


P.S.S. As a point of clarification, since a couple people asked, Springfield's Own is NOT paying for my trip. I'm excited for the exposure, not the paycheck. When I was editor, this kind of project paid maybe $200. Not sure what I'll be paid, but this is a small magazine.  I'll definitely need some donor support...or find about 20 more magazines to pay the same for the story. :)