Surprise! I'm going to Africa!

I find myself, continually saying. Surprise, Kelly Jo! You're headed to Africa...that's right AFRICA!

I'm not sure why it seems like a big deal, but it is...At least this trip isn't just merely a trip to Africa, but an opportunity for me to grow more into the woman I know God has fashioned me to be. His plans for me this fall include: spending two months in Mozambique at the Harvest School through Iris Ministries (irismin.org).

I will be attending "field laboring" classes, working among hundreds of children, working in the bush, soaking in the presence of the Lord and exploring more of who He is and who I am in Him.

I have 6 short weeks to get my airfare, visa, read 8 books for classes, raise support, and prep! I will be keeping this blog up to date on this grand adventure God began years ago when I was still a young girl. This opportunity has been a dream of mine since I was ten. Before I knew what Iris Ministries was and life as I know it today. I was given a vision from a young age to participate in such a program/ministry and now the time has come and my ships getting ready to leave port.

Please pray for me that my heart would be prepared for my upcoming time abroad. That I would be a ready vessel for the Lord. For great health, safety, and abundant provision. And praise God that he has a heart for the nations.

If you would like to support me financially, I greatly appreciate your obedience to God, your giving heart, and your desire to journey along with me. It will be a grand ride for us if we continue to be open to all God has for us. Click the donate button below if you are interested in helping send me to Africa.

I need $2,500 by Sept. 1 and an additional 3,000-4,000 by the end of September!
Grace, peace, and joy be with you today!

California Shots Round One

West Coast Adventures Begin

What a whirlwind the last year has been! I have seen a grand portion of the East Coast...the actually coastline; traveled to the middle, and now am working my way from the south of California up to Seattle on my parent's new boat. How extraordinary it is to see so many places in such a short time.

Right now, I'm in Santa Barbara, CA sitting in the public library... yay wifi! We are awaiting for boat parts, so we can fix a major leak in the engine room. Also, we had just made it to Santa Barbara for the worst winter storm yet. We were going to head out this morning to catch a quick weather wind to head up around Pt. Conception, but alas this leak is stopping us! So who knows how long we are stuck here before we head up the coast to Morro Bay and then Monterey, the San Francisco, etc.

It is so refreshing to be back on my dear West Coast. I have missed the relaxed atmosphere. Santa Barbara is proving to be an amazing place to people watch. It has a bohemian flare to it much like Portland only there is a more run in with sophistication, sun, and palm trees. I walked into French Press Cafe and instantly knew the coffee would be great! The West Coast has terrific coffee and awesome baristas! The cafe reminded me of Stumptown in Belmont.

The public library is full of interesting characters. As people pass by and conversations are overheard, I create stories to match the flow and rhythms of their being. Definitely one of the strangest places I have ever been.

Pictures to come!