Almost There...

It seems like forever ago when I blurted out to my husband that I needed to travel to Africa.  I know the desire didn't come from me since I'm not big into traveling so I knew it was from the Lord when the very next door an opportunity presented itself to join a team serving in Africa this summer. The more I learned about this trip the more I knew Africa was where I needed to be this summer.  In every photo of the orphan thousands of miles away I saw my son.  John John, a sweet boy who is so loved, so blessed & fed, clothed & sheltered.  We fought for him.  We didn't know when he would come & how he would get here....but we fought for our son to come home.  For a lot of the children I have the privilege to meet in a few short months...there is not a family fighting for them.  So I am going to go there & I am going to show them love.  The kind of love that I show my boy every day...I am going to show to them.  I am going to love them, pray for them, play with them & hug them.  They are going to know...that whether I am physically there with them or countries away that there is somebody fighting for them.

After a few fundraisers, a number of generous donations & some babysitting money of my own...I have so far raised $1,600 toward my trip.  This means that I am now only $2,000 away from my goal.  I cannot believe how in a month and a half I am so close to getting there!  My God is not a God who is burdened by deadlines and time limits.  He is limitless....and that's an important thing to remember.

So, I am going to boldly ask you to help send me.  Most importantly, I ask for your prayers.  For faith, for travel mercies, & for provisions but I also ask that you help by providing.  Your money is not going towards a trip to fulfill my desire to see the world or have a vacation or getaway.  Every dollar donated is going to help send me & a team of others to bless the people of Uganda & Ethiopia.  We are going to share the love of Jesus, show the love of Jesus & be His hands & feet.  There are a number of ways that you can give toward my trip.  The first is to donate.  You can do that by clicking the DONATE BUTTON below.

Any amount is appreciated & every penny counts.  Please consider partnering with me on this journey & donating!

You can also help send me to Africa by buying a T-shirt from Chrome Buffalo!  There are only three days left to purchase this T-shirt for only $22!...and for every tee that is bought....$11 will be donated to my trip! (Men & children's sizes available)

Or maybe you really love shopping fair trade?  Then feel free to shop Once Was Lost!  There are some beautiful items you can purchase here & 50% of every purchase made goes toward my trip as well!  All you have to do is type in my name on "Notes to Seller" at checkout & bada-bing bada-boom...Your shopping has become a blessing!

Clothes & jewels not really your thing right now?  Me either...just kidding.  But, you can also buy some sweet treats from an amazing shop called Paradise Sweets!!!  The beautiful woman behind the shop is not currently taking orders in her Etsy shop but she has so graciously agreed to bless my trip with her delicious talents! 

 

You can purchase these in increments of six.  So 6 cookies, 12 cookies, 18 cookies, etc.  And, if you can allow me to give you a tip.  Six are not enough!  These are the kinds of cookies you share!!!  To make this easy on you...if you'd like to order these cookies you can either email me at Ashleyobrien129@yahoo.com or leave a comment below with the email address you use for PayPal and the amount you'd like order!  I will invoice you & as soon as you have paid I will send in your order to be baked fresh!  

 6 Africa cookies- $25.00

12 Africa cookies- 45.00

18 Africa cookies-$65.00

Shipping-$4.00

Local delivery-FREE!

...and did I mention that Gwen Stefani from No Doubt also thinks these cookies are delish!?

Anyway, that all being said...I need to have another $1,000 sent in by this Friday!!!  I'm trying not to worry since I know that the Lord will provide.  He always has & He always will.  Please consider donating, or doing a bit of shopping...or as my friend, Wynne, likes to call it...Make a few "purchases with purpose."