A few weeks ago my sister came back from Africa!
She was only supposed to be gone for 14 days, but while there the missionary asked her to stay longer.
Which she did…
For a whopping 33 days total!
To say we all missed her would be the understatement of the century.
My kids love, Love, LOVE their Aunt Stephie. And frankly I think the only way we all survived her stint in Africa was because of Skype.
Oh how we love Skype!
Amen.
Anyway, remember when I posted about our little fundraiser to send my sister to Africa.
Well we ended up making over 50 shirts and 15 headbands!
At the time we thought all of the extra money would go to buy things that were needed over there, but clearly the Lord knew she was going to stay longer and made up the extra money she would need.
Isn’t God amazing?!?!
We are SO incredibly thankful for all of the people who purchased these shirts and headbands.
You made it possible for my sister to obey the Lord, go, and serve.
I can tell you with all honesty…Africa has change her. Uganda left a mark and a burden on her heart forever.
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So now onto the fun stuff!
I snagged some pictures from her so you all could see what she saw!
Aren’t these children adorable?!?
Like I want to pack you up in my suitcase and bring you home???
(I asked Stephanie to bring me home a baby, but she said no….*sigh*)
At one of the schools there were signs posted up as reminders to the children.
To me they are quite funny, because if I ever just saw a piece of wood stating things like,
“Avoid Sugar Daddies”
“Stay Virgin”
“Avoid Sex”
“Aids Kill”
I’d laugh. Those seem to be pretty basic tid-bits of knowledge we are talking about here. But with the huge Aids epidemic in Africa, they clearly are under educated on this subject. That is why these “funny” little signs are seen everywhere.
My sister caught some of the best raw moments in Africa.
I think that girl has the eye for photography.
These shoes pictured above are a pair of TOMS I decorated for her.
She wanted most of the shoe to stay white so they could get dirtied up with the work she was doing for the Lord.
Like a visual reminder when she got back of all the Lord had done.
Awesome, huh?!
Thankfully, She had a wonderful roommate who acted as a surrogate me.
You know, since I am big and pregnant, and unable to go with her to Africa.
(always been my dream!)
Thank you Hope for taking such good care of my sister!!!
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Lastly, I want to leave you with this picture.
It is so striking to me.
Makes me get all teary-eyed.
It reminds me of a verse:
“My soul longs, yes even faints
For the courts of the Lord;
My heart and my flesh cry out for
the Living God.”
Psalm 84:2 (NKJV)
How can you not get chills?!?!?
OH that is so neat! I have always wanted to go to Africa too! Someday. I have a friend from Uganda too! Need pictures, what an experience!
So awesome and inspiring! And I really wish someone had put up the Avoid Sugar Daddies sign where I grew up ~ Could have saved me years of trouble ; )
~Kristin
That is so awesome! Love all the pictures Steph!
This whole post makes me all GIDDY inside! What an amazing adventure.(I too am quite jealous!)
ps that last picture is so incredible and perfect
I’m so proud of Stephanie!! The best part about experiences is what you can take away from them and use for the God’s glory at home. The photos are all amazing.
I could never imagine taking my child to school and those signs are up to protect her future vs. an ABC chart. Everyday I’m remind of my blessings.