Sunday, August 30, 2015

Africa {in pictures}


Two months ago, Daniel and I went to Africa. Neither of us had been there and it was our first time serving together overseas. We knew we wanted to take an overseas trip together and had been praying about where to go. Africa, though, was not on our radar. We prayed about and looked into going to countries in Southeast Asia, Central Asia, Europe, and South America, but God either shut the door of opportunity or didn’t give us the go-ahead. Then Daniel’s parents told us about the trip their church was taking to Africa. It involved a little bit of everything: mercy ministry (both mine and Daniel's passion), pastor training (Daniel’s interest), a medical clinic, and VBS. We prayed and believed God said Yes, so we signed up.

Africa blew my misconceptions from the start. It wasn’t hot and dry and dusty (at least not the first city we were in); it was lush and beautiful, teeming with flowers, plants, and birds of all kinds. The village where we did the majority of our work was more like I had imagined, but it still had more trees and greenery that I expected.

The people were friendly, curious, and joyful, much like I expected. They were very hospitable, even helping us set up camp. It was so great to partner with local believers who had a heart to reach their own people and communities. Our goal for the trip was not to come in and do the work and leave, but to work alongside of them and provide them with extra tools and training to reach more people for Jesus. Below are some pictures that tell the story from our 10-day journey.

Some of the flora of Africa
Mercy Ministry :: BGR Hospice Buckets
One of the places we delivered a bucket

The African Bush
VBS at local school :: they were waiting for us!
So pretty!

Me helping a little boy color
Daniel teaching about the meaning of the cross
Salvation bracelets
They're all so cute!

Theological Education :: Daniel spent one day teaching local church leaders
Medical Clinic :: The line began forming before sunrise
Evangelism Training :: equipping local church members to share the gospel
Last evening in village :: the host church put on a special performance for us
Beautiful African sunrise

Trip to Safari :: climbing in elevation added to the beauty of the scenery
Looks like the rolling hills of the Midwest! :)
Safari :: a dream come true!
A heard of elephants
A lonely, lovely giraffe
I got to pet a rhino!
Yep! That's a lioness!
A lioness walking towards the sunrise :: Epic!
The watering hole right outside our tents brought many animals to our front door
The type of tree I usually envision when thinking of Africa
Team group photo on the Equator
Beautiful drive to Nairobi
Elephant Orphanage :: Precious!
My hot husband :)
I don't know what this is...
Giraffe Sanctuary
     
I kissed a giraffe!!!

Thursday, August 6, 2015

Our First Year :: In Pictures


Married :: August 2, 2014
Honeymoon :: Puerto Rico

Moved to Pittsburgh :: August 18, 2014
Date Nights {one of our favorites :: Istanbul Sofra}

Daniel's first day at Duquesne University
Kristi and James married :: October 4, 2014

First Halloween :: Pumpkin Carving
Thanksgiving in Missouri
Game Nights {our game of choice :: Scrabble}
My birthday gift from Daniel :: Table for Kitchen
First Christmas :: Gingerbread House

New family and friends :: Renaissance Church
Christmas in Nashville
Winter :: made us realize this city was not for us
Washington, DC :: February 2015

Spring :: I could not contain my excitement

Flowers from my sweet husband :: one bouquet of many
Military :: 10 weeks total on orders this summer :(
Charming Charleston, SC :: May 2015
Explored Pittsburgh's Cathedral of Learning
Completed our first puzzle together :: 500 pieces in two days
First time serving abroad together :: Kenya :: June 2015
African Safari :: my dream come true!
National Air Force Museum :: Dayton, OH
Kristi and James came to visit :: July 2015
Homemade desserts for two :)
First Year Anniversary :: Pittsburgh River Cruise
Here's to another year!