the team.

before I go on & on about my trip to Ethiopia & Rwanda and start dropping names, thought you should meet some of our team.

it was an honor & privilege to go on this trip with my sister, Rachel.

she's wanted to go to Africa long before it was even on my radar.

it get to see her in action, loving on kids, was priceless.

she has the most kind, compassionate, loving heart.

I'm so proud of her!  

My good friend from Midland, Alison, also came on the trip!

I'm so proud of her for taking the risk and coming on the trip.

it was nice to have another creative/photog friend on the trip too.

she loved the kids & those on our team very well.  

we have a new bond & for that I am so thankful.

God chose to allow 2 families from our church (Stonegate Fellowship) to come on this trip.

the Harpers & Lawrences

they are in the same community group & the fact that they brought their teenage kids (well, Baylie is only 12!) was amazing.  set a great example to me of how I want to involve my family in missions that's for sure.

I loved hearing James talk every night about how thankful he is he get's to experience this new perspective with his wife & kids and on the last night hearing Sid praise & affirm not only every member on the team but each member of his family as well.  WOW.  

Love you Wendy, Sid, Lacie, Sydnie, Baylie, James, Elaina, Chris & Cameron!

as we were getting around in country Frank & Merrill (our fearless leaders!) made it easy on everyone and split us up into "groups".  There was a church group from Wyoming, the Lawrences, the Harpers and then there were the misfits.  yes, the island of misfit toys as Frank called us. 

the girls!

Katherine, Elise, Karlie, Kellyn, Merrill, Chandler, Rachel, me & Alison.

we were quite the crew.

our New Years Eve night in Rwanda made me laugh more than I have in a long time.

I loved getting to know each of these girls hearts and getting to experience Africa with each of them. 

the Vermes!

although they were only with us on half of our Rwanda portion, they were amazing "team" members.

it was the biggest joy and honor to spend time with them at Noel.

read more about their story here.  

ok, now we can get to telling stories :) 

ps - all the pictures on the beach were taken during our last night in Rwanda.  isn't it beautiful?  We had a fun night of fellowship, good food, music and dessert!