This past Friday night, the Covenant Life Church Singles Ministry teamed up with our Uganda team in hosting a Fundraiser Concert for our trip. Two local bands–Zelos from Gaithersburg and the John Reilly Band from Philadelphia–drew the crowd together for some good music, while team-members and I prepared and served refreshments based off of African cuisine flavors: spicy beef somosas, plaintain chips, milky hot Chai tea, hummus and pita bread, pineapple and grapes, and peanuts. (Go to my Flickr site for pictures). Praise God–nearly $3,000 dollars were raised as a result of generous donations from attendees! All of the proceeds will be donated to our sister church in Uganda, which Pastor Moses oversees. We look forward to making this presentation to him, and we pray that he and his church will be blessed by the financial gift.
 With 16 days to go until departure, our team continues to pray and ask God for safety, health, and wisdom.  For the past 3 months, there has been an Ebola outbreak in a region about 100 miles away from where we will be….this disease is often fatal, and therefore a serious issue to consider. After much research and counsel from experienced pastors who have gone to Eastern Africa many times, our team-leaders–Jim Winn and Isaac Hydoski–have decided to still go.  The outbreak is on the downward trend, and has been carefully contained within that particular region. In fact, one of the U.S. World Health commissions has been involved and is helping to provide medicine that will keep the Ebola from spreading around anymore. However, as a result of this issue, Pastor Moses has cancelled the regional conference that was going to be held while we are there.  People are simply too afraid to gather together in large crowds during the time of an outbreak; therefore, our agenda in Uganda is currently changing…though we don’t exactly know how we will be serving on a daily basis, our team is confident that God is in control and has already prepared good works in advance for us to do. Please be praying that God will clearly direct our steps, give us protection from any sickness related to Ebola, and give us faith and wisdom to proceed.
On a more personal note, I have to say that it is very surreal thinking I will be halfway around in the world in a little more than 2 weeks. I have always loved traveling…other cultures…exciting adventures…meeting new people…so, in a way, this trip is not only a spiritual calling from God to bring the Gospel to another nation, but also a wonderful blessing.  For those of you who don’t know, my good friend Christie Taylor will also be joining me at RVA in Kenya! So, it will be nice to have a travel buddy. From the pictures I have seen, and things I have heard, RVA is an incredible place to visit geographically as well—Mt. Longonot, nearby waterfalls, and awesome safari’s…and all to see in 80 degree weather! What a way to jump into 2008!
To all who are reading this, and have contributed financially to my trip, thank you so much for your generosity and willingness to help support me in this endeavor and experience. I simply am grateful beyond words, and look forward to returning home with many pictures and stories of God’s grace and mercies.
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Emily, Thanks for the update on your upcoming missions trip. I am so excited for your team and trust everyone else is just as stoked to serve in Africa. I can relate to your enthusiasm in traveling and experiencing a new culture while on a missions trip. I found myself wondering during my Ukraine trips,”God, I get to SERVE you by doing things I LOVE? Thank you, Lord!”
Make the most out of your time, absorb everything that you can possibly take in, and proactively serve. I’m praying for you guys and can’t wait to hear all the details and see all the photos when y’all return. Godspeed!