Reaching Out

WOW...we are all so blessed in so many ways. 2008 is going to be a pinnacle year for us. God is everywhere in our lives. Our marriage is strong, our children are healthy. Brantley is becoming an impressive young man and Parker is growing into a strong little toddler.

God IS Love and we feel like we are bursting with Love to give. We strive to live like Jesus and make Him the model for our lives. Having been blessed with so much, it's NO DOUBT that we are to be compassionate and continually reach out to others. This year we want to do that better than ever.

By far, my most ambitious outreach will be FINALLY joining a team trip to Malawi, Africa. Malawi is the third poorest country on earth. HIV and Malaria are rampant diseases, leaving orphans by the thousands. Medical care is almost nonexistent - even the most basic supplies and training are needed.

I have two reasons for choosing Malawi of all the places I could go and causes I could support. One, is that the need is so GREAT that my tiny little efforts can really make a difference there! Two, is that I have a personal tie because my family and home church have been involved there for many years, supporting Blessings Hospital and Mtendere Village, an orphanage housing over 150 children.

I am eager to go and help out with everything that is going on there. I am also anxious about leaving my family for two whole weeks! I have NO DOUBT that Jay and Brantley and Parker will be just fine without me, but I will miss them a lot.

My goal is to make efforts like this, both international and domestic, a more regular part of our lives. There are so many people out there that just simply need LOVE and FOOD and SHELTER and MEDICINE. That's what the love of Christ is all about: "Love your neighbor as yourself."