Wherein My Comfort Zone Gets Blown To Smithereens

Hello, Internet.  Welcome to my Comfort Zone.

It's a cushy little place, with soft pillows and high-speed internet access.  The remote control always works, and there is always a Diet Coke from Sonic just around the corner. 

Not too much is expected of me in this Comfort Zone.  I know my way around quite well--I've spent most of my life here, in fact.  No mosquito netting is required, no special immunizations are needed, and for the love of Pete, no children are ever hungry.  Or orphaned.  Or afraid.

And so it was, a couple of months ago, that I was having a fairly leisurely morning in my Comfort Zone, checking my e-mail, munching my breakfast and listening to some cable news.  A nice and cushy and comfy morning.  Just like always.

And then a little e-mail popped up on my screen.  It was from Compassion International, the highly-regarded relief agency that works all over the world.  I'd known of them for years.  We'd even been planning for a few months to sponsor a Compassion child--we just hadn't gotten around to it yet.

But they weren't asking me to sponsor a child.

They were asking me to go to Africa.

They're taking a team of bloggers to Uganda for ten days in February, to live-blog the relief efforts going on over there.  And would I like to go?

Oh-how-kind-of-you-to-ask-there's-absolutely-no-way-I-have-four-kids-but-thanks-anyway.

I forwarded the e-mail to Hubs.  My solid, logical, ever-rational Hubs, who never makes an emotional or impulsive decision.  I just knew he'd agree with my assessment that this was a huge impossibility.

Except that the minute he got my e-mail, he called me from his office.  "I think you should go," he said immediately.

Um-yes-excuse-me-did-you-know-there-are-lions-there-and-you-have-to-fly-a-very-very-very-long-time-over-an-ocean-or-two?

"Yes," he said, "and I think you should go.  Let's talk about it tonight."

I wrote back the Compassion folks and told them their offer was very kind, and I'd need to pray about it and talk with my husband. 

But instead, I started making a list of all the reasons this wouldn't work.  And there were a lot of reasons.  I'm a mother of four kids, for Heaven's sake--who on earth would check their backpacks if I went trotting across the globe?  And I'm terrified beyond words of flying, even going just a couple of states away.  Flying across the ocean?  Alone?  And I know there are many, many people doing very heroic and brave work in Africa MUCH more demanding than what I was being asked to do, but I am not at all one of those heroic and brave and adventure types.  Not at all.  And did I mention there are lions?  And airplanes?  And that the only international travel I've ever done was going to Cancun and staying across the street from a PLANET HOLLYWOOD?

I did actually pray about it, and a surprising thing happened.  All the reasons I couldn't do this began to fall away one at a time.  Friends and family eagerly lined up to help with kids and logistics.  It turned out I wouldn't be going alone--Sophie was going too, and she promised to faithfully coach me through the bazillion hours on the airplane.  The passport and immunization stuff was do-able.  The reasons not to go kept falling away until there weren't any left. 

Well, there was one left.  It was the one that had been there, sitting beside me in my Comfort Zone for a really long time. 

I'm not sure I want to be changed that much. 

My well-intentioned ideas about sacrifice and making a difference are well and good, but those things are easy to say sitting in your carpeted, air-conditioned living room with your well-fed children.  I'd be going to Africa specifically to see the vast and overwhelming need there, so that I could in turn write about it.  We'd be going out into the villages, and the hospitals, and the orphanages.

A person doesn't see something like that and just stay the same. 

To make a very long story (sort of) short, the last two months have been a time of wrestling with some ugliness in my own heart, not wanting to admit how dependent I am on being surrounded by loveliness and convenience.  And let's just say it:  I'm afraid.  I'm afraid to fly, I'm afraid to be away from my family that long, and most of all, I'm afraid to see the kind of suffering I'm going to see.  And while I've come face-to-face with a whole heap of my own fear and selfishness, I've seen more of God's grace than I ever have before.  He's already used this whole experience to turn my heart upside down.

And I haven't even gone yet.

So yes, I'm going.  The passport is on my kitchen counter, and the immunizations are scheduled for later in the week.  I'm hammering away at all the logistics, and I plan to be taking you all with me every step of the way.  I'm excited and nervous and terrified and humbled and--dare I say it?--ready to be changed.   

Comments

[Kilikina]

Oh I am so excited for you. What a great experience! Seriously you will love it

[Melessa]

WOW! Just...WOW! (You realize you have to come to Okie Blogger Round Up next year and tell us all about it.)

[Mummymac]

Wow that's amazing, not wanting to repeat everything already said but what came to mind was how blogging can make an EVEN BIGGER difference.

Can't wait to read all about it.

[amy a]

What an opportunity! You are right, you will never be the same. I'm looking forward to reading your reports from Africa and becoming aware of what's going on in that part of the world. I know it will impact me, if only a fraction of how it will you. Thanks for taking us on this journey with you!

[Shelia]

I've been lurking for a while now without commenting. I think this is a wonderful opportunity for you. We sponsor a child in the Honduras through Compassion. Every dealing we've had with them has made me more confident of them. So I know that you will have a great and safe trip that will impact you in a way that changes your life for the better. God truly is awesome! How blessed we are to be in His hands!

[Dawn @ Baby Addiction]

I can't wait to read about your experiences in Africa and I'll be praying for you every step of the way.

[chris]

Shannon, You will be great. I can't wait to read all about and live vicariously through you.

[faithful chick]

How thrilling! Sometimes the first step to God using us is to admit that we are scared and don't know what to do ourselves. THAT, he can work with!

Praying for you.

[Jenny from VA]

WOW! You are so brave! It would be totally out of my comfort zone too. I am really excited to hear about it! He who keeps you is faithful, and HE will do it!

[Queen B]

Wow. That is huge. I am really proud of you. I know those fears really well. You are already being so obedient...it would have been easy (and understandable) to say no, thank you. God is going to change you. Through you he will change lots of other lives, too. I will be praying for you.

[Mommy Cracked]

Oh Shannon! I just know I would feel the same way....the comfort zone and not wanting to have my own little wonderful world changed would be my only reserve, but it seems like the Lord is really calling you to do this. He's made all the arrangements possible and I know HE we will be there, holding his daughter and helping her through it all just as a Father would. Much prayers for your safety AND your heart. You will be forever changed, but it reminds me of "to whom much is given much is expected". This is MUCH. But you have an AWESOME outlet to SO MANY people through your blog and I just know we will be forever changed, too. God bless you.

[jennielynn]

I admire you more than I can possible say. I will pray for you every single day, starting now. Go with God, Shannon. You are a truly a warrior. Only with a laptop instead of a spear. And Anti-virus instead of a shield. And...okay, I'll shut up now.

[Mrs. Who]

That is just so incredibly exciting! I can't wait to read your blog posts about this amazing experience.

[Lois]

How exciting! Be prepared for a life-changing, life-stretching experience! My daughter went to Uganda this past summer on a mission trip. Last night, she
showed her video presentation and spoke about her experiences in her college-career group at church. God did a great work in her heart while she was there, and He continues to teach her and use her since she's been home. Be prepared: the faces of the children will live in your heart forever! I will be praying for you & Boomama as you go. Can't wait to read
your blogs!

[Melanie]

OH, SHANNON!

I am SO EXCITED!!!

I am going to start praying for all of you right now. May God be glorified!!!

[kimberly]

How very wonderful! Wonderful opportunity, wonderful chance to overcome a fear, wonderful chance to learn new things and feel new things and see new things and share new things. I'm completely and utterly envious!

[Makeshift Mama]

Geez - you're brave. I mean, it sounds like you don't FEEL very brave, but you are. I would be scared to death, too.

[tonni]

Life changing indeed! I went to Cuba on a mission trip last year. Lots of the same objections, 5 kids left behind, etc, etc, etc, I am not the same person I was. And I am so amazingly blessed!! May you feel his changing power throughout the trip!

[Monique in Texas]

Yirrah! God is good. You go--see amazing and moving and heart-breaking things and write about them. Then sit back and watch how God will use your words to move people to help. I'll be thinking of you!

Monique in TX

[Amy]

What an amazing and exciting opportunity that will forever be life changing...You will do great!

[Linds]

Wonderful news, Shannon! I haven't read all the comments posted already, but I honestly think that this is going to be so much more special just because you are out of the Comfort Zone. This is not easy for you, and that makes it even more wonderful. You will have a memorable time and I can't wait to hear everything!

[MaryLu]

Answering God's voice is sometimes hard. I'm praying that you WILL be changed. He changes us in His timing, in His way, for His glory!

[Sheila at Dodging Raindrops]

How cool! I wish I could go.

[Heth]

Awesome.

[Christa]

Wow! What an amazing opportunity. I read your blog often, and am amazed at how similar your thoughts are to my own. I would be feeling the exact same way, but I'm proud of your courage. I'm anxious to read those blogs.

[Ashleigh]

I have chills, Shannon... what an amazing opportunity, and what an amazing God we serve. Beginning the prayer vigil now for you, Sophie and the whole group you'll be with.

[Shalee]

Oh my lands! What a blessing! Go, Go, GO! I'm not going to be jealous (which I really want to be), but rather I'm going to start praying for you to be of great use to God in so many ways. (But if you know of another blogger slot, I'd be much obliged if you'd throw my name in the hat!)

[courtney orrange]

We've done a lot of international development work and therefore have travelled quite a bit. Plus I was the missions director at my church for two years.
Let me promise you: You will be changed. Forever. And it'll be worth it.
It will be scary and hard, but you'll see God work miracles and you'll rely and depend on Him like you probably never have.
It is the coolest thing ever to have the daily dependancy on God.
I'm glad that you made the step out to do this.
Get lots of people praying for you and try to connect with someone who's traveled internationally (for this type of work) a week or so after you get back. They'll be able to help you process.
You will be changed. You're family will be changed. The people you meet in Uganda will be changed.
And God will get glory.

[jody]

I am a bit of a lurker but you got my blood pumping on this one. i just returned from a trip to Africa, one of my first acts of reckless obedience. There we adopted twins (to add to our family of 6) in a hot West African courtroom. We are waiting for further paperwork before we go back to bring them home.
But the process, like you said, is much the aim. And I believe you will hear His heart beating and see His hands moving there like no where else in the world right now....
What a privilege! Have fun!

[Donna Scott]

This is an awesome experience for you! You will be in my prayers and I will be here reading! Can I mention your blog on my blog at Blogger? I think this is great.

[Pam]

GO GO GO! What a wonderful gift from God. You will be changed and changing the world at the same time. Thank you in advance for your sacrifice. I too would have a million reasons for not going but pray that God would show me that I had not 1.... Will be praying for you and your family.

Enjoy the journey!

[Kelly]

God truly does desire us to be willing to leave our comfort zones. The ironic thing is that as He chooses to use us to bring Hid message to others, we are blessed beyond what we thought possible.

Will look forward to hearing about it on your blog. My husband was just on a mission trip to Kenya last August-really an amazing experience for him.

[Dena]

Awesome!!!
This time last year I was preparing to fly to China to meet our baby, and I was SCARED TO DEATH!!! Of all the things you mentioned, every one of them.
Don't be scared like I was! It was hands down THE most amazing, wonderful, life changing, so thankful I got to go, trip of my life.
So excited for you!

[Nicki]

Wow, what a great opportunity. You are very brave to do this and I am sure you will benefit greatly, as will all of us who follow you on your journey. Change is a scary and powerful thing--good for you to conquer it.

[Lisa B]

That is absolutely wonderful Shannon! Better you than me :) I'm not afraid of flying, but I have never been drawn to international travel. I tend to see heartaches here in our own country that I'd like to help impact for the better. I can't wait to read about your trip!!

So when do you go? When will you be back?? Oh the excitement! Many prayers will be going up for you -- no worries :)

[Elizabeth]

WOW! I am so excited that you will be blogging all the details for us! I would have jumped at such an amazing opportunity!!! When do you leave? Did you say that and I missed it?

[Fonda]

What a tremendous opportunity for growth. You will be richly blessed by the experience and the leap of faith.

[jen]

You are going to have an amazing journey! I am so excited for you! We just got back from Ethiopia a month ago, and I'm still on a high. Find a good thick book and a good travel pillow; that's all you'll need for the plan - sleep and read! I can't wait to hear about this trip! Yay!

[Kiki@Seagulls in the Parking Lot]

How exciting! I look forward to praying for you as you go. In fact, I will start today!

[Ericka]

WOW!!! Wow, wow, wow!
That is AWESOME!!!!!! So happy, excited, a little nervous, but mostly HAPPY for you!!!!!
And really, really proud.
Can't wait to hear about all the adventures.
We have two moms at church who started Seeds of Grace, which helps moms and kids in Kenya. I can hook you up with them if you ever want any travel advice, etc.

[Christy]

Wow, Shannon.

May God continue to pour His grace over you through the whole experience. I cannot wait to read your posts on this. I'm not even going and I feel trepidation at being changed by what you share. But strangely enough, my heart WANTS to hear it and be changed by it. We need to hear it. Say on!

P.S. And God bless your dear husband and his reaction. What a wonderful man you have (of course, you know that!).

[Connie]

I've been to Uganda...you will have an amazing time. Good for you for saying YES to what God is calling you to do.

[seized by hope]

Great Post! I would offer that LIFE is what happens outside of our comfort zone. You, my dear are about to embark on a journey filled with potential for more life than you can currently concieve of having.

How spectacular that a comfortable mom who has put herself "out there" in the bloggity world is now traveling across the world.

I love our wild God!

Can't wait to read all about it! Blessings on you and your family as you prepare to leave.

[Nikki]

Whoa. Not what I expected to read this afternoon. You are a brave woman and you will be in my prayers-- as will the children and families that live there-- and of course your family at home.

[Holly Smith]

Been praying for y'all a while and will continue!
Much love in Christ,
Holly

[suzanne]

Wow, whoa and I understand....and Isaiah 41:10 to you, ma'am. Can't wait to read ya'lls blogs

[Lylah Ledner]

How good of God to trick us out of our comfort zone (or force us) so that we can experience His grace. As an "older mom", and one who's been to the wonderful nation of Africa, I have learned that there is NO grace to be had in the comfort zone. I'm so excited for you and can't wait to hear (read) what you write about and through the new heart God gives you. blessings! lylah

[jessie]

I just went to west africa and I am a mom to three little kids. It was the best decision I have ever made. I am so glad you decided to go. I think more moms need to be able to go and see the world so that we can come back and help change the world. Have an amazing trip.

[Kelly @ Love Well]

That's so awesome, Shannon. I know many people at Compassion headquarters, and they couldn't have picked a better blogger.

May God break your heart and remold it to make it even more effective for Him.

I will be so excited to follow you on this faith journey.

[Jenn]

What an incredible (sometimes scary) opportunity! WE have had the opportunity to sponsor a child for a few years now it is humbling to see how God is using Compassion International for His Glory. I will be praying as your trip approaches and I can't wait to 'see' what you see as you blog.

[Elysa]

WOW! Our God is amazing, isn't He? I'm a mom of 7 and He's also taking me to Africa. I'm going in just a couple of weeks and I had the same reaction when the idea was first put to me? No way! Love to go but what about the kids? What about this and that and whatever? And God worked it all out.

Of course my 2nd son came down with chicken pox a couple of days ago and my 2 daughters who are supposed to be going with me in just over 2 weeks have never had the pox...so now we wait to see how God will handle this latest obstacle.

Praying for you as you go on this journey...I understand the fear of how it will change you. I lived in Africa nearly 20 years ago and it radically changed me then. I'm afraid this time it will leave me unfit and unsatisfied for good with this calm, comfortable American life.

[Sheila / Kiki36]

How awesome is that! God moves in mysterious and wondrous ways! I understand your fears as mine would be the same, but God is watching over you, He will be with you all the way. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. :)

[Dee/reddirtramblings.com]

Wow! I am so impressed by your honesty. It is that same honesty and good humor that made them pick you. Or, did God do it? Hmmm. . . I will keep you in my prayers, Red Dirt Sister. Wow!

[Tiffany]

What an opportunity!!! Of course, your fears are all 100% valid, but you will be forever changed in very good ways when you return. I predict it will not only make you a better person, but a better mother, wife, friend, etc. How can it not change you for the better. You are in my prayers as you dive head first into a once of a lifetime opportunity. To God be the glory.

[Terina]

as i was reading your post, in my mind i was saying "you must go". i'm glad you decided to go. i didn't read any comments because it's dinner time, but i am very excited to see what you learn and what you are able to help us understand about Africa. how amazing that blogging has done all of these amazing things for you. we never know where amazing blessings will come from. good luck!!!!!!! and take LOTS of pictures.

[Terina]

one more thing, i am also terrified of flying. if you can get to a doctor that will give you some anti-anxiety meds just for your flights, i know they will help. i have also flown across an ocean six times. the last four of them was with children. if i had it my way, i would be knocked unconcious for the entire thing. you will be fine, books, movies, naps, and if you knit, or cross stich, cross word puzzles, word searches, scriptures will all help pass the time. and have sophie hold your hand. having that hand helps to remember there is a bigger hand under that airplane.....

[Lesley]

You are very wise to know that the changes within you will be profound. My sister spent a week in South Africa this past summer and it changed ME quite a bit. I am excited for you and I can't wait to read about your experiences.

[Brandi]

Wow, I'd be thinking the very same things you thought about. I am a big scaredy cat!!!! I am the type of person that is afraid to walk around the block for fear of some ferocious, hungry Pitbull looking to eat some children and their mommy! I can't even imagine lions!!
It is truly amazing, though, how God gives us the peace that passes understanding when He has indeed called us to do something we wouldn't ordinarily even consider doing!
Can't wait to go to Africa with you via the internet.

[margalit]

Kol HaKavod! What an honor. We have a very close friend of my son's who is from Uganda and has been in the US for 4 years now. It is a very difficult country to understand. Yes, there ARE lions there, but they're in nature preserves and you don't need to worry about running into one in the street. But you do need to be careful to keep your belongings on your person at all times, especially your passport, and by on your person, I mean under your clothes and impossible to pickpocket.

Stick with your group, be careful of the government, the army and the police, be respectful of what you see regardless of how you will hurt inside, and you'll be fine. You're doing God's work, and it's a real honor.

[Eva]

Fantastic. Wonderful decision. Cant wait to hear all about it :)

[Lauren]

You go girl! And may Jesus Christ protect you and guide you! :D

[Hestial]

This sounds like an amazing opportunity! I hope you have a wonderful trip :) (and I am definitely looking forward to your posts!)

[Amy @ By His Grace]

Many prayers for you and the group as you begin this journey. It is truly amazing when you follow God's lead and trust him completely what amazing, awesome, eye-opening experiences we have. I can't wait to follow the journey with you through the blog and see how your life is changing and see the lives that are being changed because God placed you there.

[shawna]

what an amazing opportunity! can't wait to hear about your trip.

i just saw this video yesterday...i'm not sure when it will air next, but it's worth your time. these are amazing people. the last few minutes blew me away. these are people that have lost husbands, wives, children etc...that are at peace...because of what Jesus Christ did for them, they are able to forgive what's been done to them.

http://www.elca.org/readytoforgive

peace of Christ.

[jen]

I'm so glad you are going, and so glad I can "go" with you. I'm sure someday I will make a similar trip with our church, and I will have to go through the same wringer. Good luck! We'll be there with you.

[chickadee]

i just know this is going to be an amazing journey. i can't wait to read about it.

[Shaun Groves]

See you in Uganda. It's like Real World, except with lions and yellow fever shots and no hot tub. Good to "meet" a fellow member of the cast.

[Janel]

This is so exciting!!!! I sponsor a Compassion child and cannot wait to read your blogs and what God does with this experience!

[Chris]

What a wonderful opportunity for you. When I faced a similar trip around the world with terror in my heart about flying. I asked my Doctor for a sleeping pill prescription. I slept for 8 hours of the trip. It allowed me to get to my destination but also helped adjust to the time change! God Bless you!

[Laura @ Laura Williams' Musings]

Oh Wow Shannon! Amazing opportunity!

[Texas in Africa]

Uganda will rock your world. Know that the poverty there isn't as bad as it is in most of Uganda's neighboring countries. I think you will also be surprised at what you'll learn from those who are poor. You'll meet people who value community over individualism and who share from what they have, rather than sharing from their leftovers. Keep your eyes open and listen.

Oh, and here's my foolproof flight-to-Africa method: get up really early the day of your flight, eat dinner at the airport before you get on your overnight flight (out of New York or wherever), don't eat on the plane, drink tons of water and NOTHING else (everything else dehydrates), take Tylenol PM or Benadryl (but not both!) as soon as possible, put on a sleep mask and earplugs/noise-cancelling headphones, and force yourself not to watch the movies while trying to sleep. Take a change of clothes in your carry-on and change and brush your teeth on your European layover, where you have to make yourself stay awake. There are showers in terminal 4 at Heathrow if you'll be there. If you have another overnight flight to Kampala, you'll probably be tired enough to sleep on that, which will get you on a schedule even faster. Have fun!

[Linda Sue]

I've only just met you via BooMama's blog and I'm so thrilled for you! Compassion is one of our favorite ways to serve the Lord - we have two beautiful boys in Bangladesh and BTW don't wait - adopt as many as you can right NOW! For less than the price of your family going out to a fast food restaurant or a movie with coke and popcorn - you can change the life of a CHILD! Bless you - I'll need to add your blog to my favorites so I can keep track - this is so exciting. God does the coolest things doesn't He?

[Leah]

Africa, absolutely changed my life. I know it will change your life as well. I wrote about my experience on my blog. You should check it out.

[Elaine]

Yeah! Love that Compassion International. You're gonna be just fine, Mama. You will tell us [more things] to pray about, won't you? Love, -e.

[Prisca]

Sorry I'm late in reading this wonderful post. I can't help but notice that you've already been changed just in the act of deciding to go where God so clearly wants you to go. Think of all that is to come!

Be safe and blog like crazy. Godspeed!

[Laura]

I can so relate to your fear. I am a control freak that lives in a very controlled comfort zone. I'd like to hope that I too could overcome my fear as you are doing to be a part of something big like this. God will bless you abundantly for following his leading.

Praying for you and Sophie both,
Laura

[Diana]

Isn't it amazing how God changes us when He calls us to move outside our comfort zone. I remember a particular time in my life when God wanted me to do something I thought was impossible. I finally gave in and told God, "okay, I'll do it, but you're just going to have to get creative and work out all the obstacles in my way!" And then I realized...I just told the creator of the universe that He was going to have to get creative! God must have a sense of humor to allow me to live!!! Can't wait to read your posts! You go girl!!

[Deb]

So glad that God is working through you in this way! I read your posts on occassion and can tell that you lead a life of prayer. I'm sure God has big plans for you. One small piece of advice I'd like to pass along as a fellow Christian who has traveled is this: pray through your coming home as much as you pray through your going. As much as you'll love coming home to your family and comforts, it's likely that it will be a very difficult experience. Many of us don't expect the struggles that we face after coming home, so if you can cover your homecoming in prayer (and have others join you in that!) then God will guide you through the transition. Way to take the leap!

[BUSH]

i found your blog through Briay Seay. i just got back from Peru with Compassion, and it was one of the best trips i've ever been on in my life. it will rock your world...in a good way.

i'm leaving for Ethiopia on friday to do photography for another missions organization...so i feel your excitement on Africa.

congrats on the trip.

[Jana (sidetrack'd)]

Wow! What an amazing opportunity! I, too, would be apprehensive, afraid, and not want to go, but oh the things God can do. He will drive out the fear and you will come back with an amazing testimony.

[Erin - ExpectingExecutive]

Too cool! Sorry I am so late in offering my congratulations. Just now catching up with my blog reading. You will be in my thoughts and prayers as your prepare and embark on your journey! Godspeed. Hugs- EE

[Sandra Joseph]

Shannon,
This year I won (yes, that is right, won) a mission's trip to Latvia with Shoes for Orphan's Souls (Buckner, International). It was a life changing experience for me and my 15 year old daughter who went with me. I started blogging on this trip and have continued since I have been back. If God is opening the door for you to go - I encourage you to walk through the doors and enjoy the journey!

Sandra Joseph
Recognize & Remember
www.sandrajo.wordpress.com

[Lisa]

I have one close friend who spent two years in Ghana in the Peace Corps and another who travels to Africa through a Christian AIDS relief organization (and has suggested I go with her this year, yikes!). You will never be the same, as many have said.

Compassion is a great organization. Congratulations on your decision to go, and to them for choosing you and Sophie! I can't wait to read what both of you have to write about your time there.

[Christi]

Shannon, I could have wept reading your beautiful words. God's grace is sufficient, as the verse said, and His strength will not only carry you through, but will use Your words to change others as well! I am so excited for ya'll! Is there anything I (we) can do to help? Do you and Sophie need financial assistance? Are there things that they need that we could send with you? I'd love to help!

[Nancy Jinks]

Hi Shannon,

We are sending a team to Uganda in February from Covenant Presbyterian Church.....in fact our Pastor has such a calling for work in Uganda! If you google uganda missions, his website will be the first that comes up (i'm pretty sure) and he has a ton of info that is helpful for those going. So God go with you and be with you and your family while you're gone.

[Vickie]

Shannon,
I was moved to tears by your post. I struggle with those same fears. As I was reading your post, I was coming up with a list of similar excuses in my head. God is so awesome how He will take our fears and find a way for us to step out of what is comfortable for us and put us smack dab in the Refiner's Fire.

I just know this trip is going to be incredible for you and Sophie. But as I was reading, I could see how the Lord was already preparing your heart for this journey.

I can't wait to hear from ya'll about this phenomenal experience. I know that your readers will be changed!

I will be praying for your fears of flying. I have those too and struggle with it greatly at times.

What a joy it will be to pray for this trip!
God's richest blessings,
Vickie

[Paige]

That is truly amazing. And scary. I would be scared, too. But I'm so thrilled for you that you get to go. I can't wait to read all about it. And a small part of me hopes I can do things like that someday. Lifechanging things. Good for you!

[Girlymom]

What an amazing opportunity- glad your Hubby saw that! Good luck with your logistics, I can't wait to read what you have to say about the trip.

[Angela]

Though I haven't read the other comments, I'm sure I'm repeating what's already been said...WOW! What an AMAZING opportunity. Having said that, I understand/relate to your trepidation. It's one thing to see it from afar and something entirely different to face it on a personal level.

We'll look forward to taking the journey with you. I would venture to guess you won't be the only one changed. Know that there are many praying for you.

[Maricar]

What a great opportunity! God bless you with much peace, and excitement and everything you need for your trip. We'll all be looking forward to you posts!

[edj]

Well I'll let you in on a secret. The people you'll meet over there--the ones that right now seem brave and adventurous? Are exactly and totally just like you. I remember staying next to the speaker at a women's conference in Dakar one time, and she commented on how freaked she was about the little cockroaches in her sink and how she wasn't like us. So I had to tell her how I still screamed at the big ones.
I'm so excited for you! It'll be life changing, you're right, and also you'll love it and always want to go back, even though you'll hate it a lot at the time.
E me if you have any ?s you think I might be able to answer.
(You no longer need a cholera shot, for instance.)

[Cindy]

How exciting! I am sure that it will be just as life-changing as you expect and then some. Can't wait to hear all about it!

[elizabeth]

Amazing! It IS so very hard to step out of our comfort zone. I have never taken on such a venture FOR GOD. I have had many adventures, but this is different, this is a calling. I so admire your admittance of reluctance and fear, I believe He knows all of course, but we need to tell Him and He will always answer and be there.

You go GIRL, and then help us do the same ~ to step out and to FEAR NOT!

God Bless you and your family!

[Hollie]

I would be so scared also, thank God (literally) that he is sending you with a friend, he knew what he was doing sending you this opportunity. I couldn't think of a better blogger to send. Your blog is awesome and I can't wait to read what will happen along the way.

[AprilMay]

I was a missionary overseas for 3 years, and I can tell you that without change, we [Christians] don't grow. :) So GO and GROW girl! I can't wait to read all about it!

[Tiff @ Three Peas in a Pod]

What an amazing opportunity to see God's work and His Grace first Hand! I'm so glad you are going! I can't wait to read your blog about your trip!

[Ronnica]

How exciting! After traveling overseas, I have been greatly changed (though I know God still wants to work in me!). God can use it as such an opportunity to open your eyes in ways you never thought possible. What's special about this trip is that you'll be able to use your typing fingers to open all of our eyes too!

[Sincerely Anna]

God at work. It makes me want to shout AMEN all the way from the east coast! Did you hear me? Hope all goes well (I know it will) and that every detail continues to fall right into place. My husband went to Indonesia a few years ago and it was indeed life-changing.

[Susanne]

I'm so excited for you guys, and I'll be praying earnestly for you. We sponsor two kids through Compassion, and it has been such a rewarding experience. The girl we sponsor in Tanzania sends us the sweetest letters. I know you'll meet some precious souls in Uganda. May God bless your trip! I'll look forward to reading about it on your blog.

[Liza's Eyeview]

Shannon, I am sooo excited for you. I know what you mean by getting our of your comfort zone, but it's worth it. It's an awesome God we serve :) :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MfkOjwNRYI