So it begins...

Today I applied for my passport. I am one step closer to God's calling for my life-- to medical missions-- to the beautiful boys and girls in desperate need of a cure. This summer I have the opportunity to work with CURE international's hospital in Zambia, Africa. This organization has several different hospitals around the world that help children who have curable diseases like hydrocephalus, club feet, and cleft lip/palate. Often times, these wonderful children are beaten, left to die, or drowned by their family because they are believed to be cursed. CURE steps in and rescues these kids, giving them new hope and a fresh start by intervening surgically at no charge. Here's my favorite part: CURE uses this opportunity to spread the love of Jesus Christ. God has given us all gifts, and the men and women at CURE use their gifts to physically cure these children and reach out to their souls in the name of Jesus. I have chills already...

I received an email from the neurosurgeon I will be working with (Kachinga) offering me a formal invitation to Africa this summer. He is located at the Beit Trust Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia in Africa. I still do not know all the logistics and details of the trip, but I trust and know God will provide.

I ask of you to please be my prayer warrior during this time of preparation. Some things to pray for specifically:

*Ease in booking the flights to Africa and back
*Financial stability for the trip
*For God to enrich my passion for the people of Africa
*God to continue to give me direction and clarity regarding my next steps to take
*For God to shape my heart and soul into what it needs to be, so that I am able to care for these children and families
*Physical health, so I will be able to withstand the physical stress of the trip
*Emotional health
*Spiritual health and strengthening
*For satan to be far far away from me in Jesus Christ's name
*For suppression of my flesh and wants that are not in line with God's wants. I only want what God wants for my life... I desperately want to stay in His will

Thank you for your prayers and encouragement! I cannot express to you the urgency and excitement I feel deep within my soul for this trip. I am so ready for God to use me in Africa!!! Let's get this party started! :)

Love and Blessings, Kristen