At the moment I’m publishing this post, it’s exactly 54 hours until I board a plane and go far, far away.
8,303 miles, to be exact, but who’s counting?
Because a few of you asked, here are the details:
I fly out of Oklahoma at 12:45 pm on Sunday. I meet up with our whole Compassion team in Chicago, then we fly to Brussels, Belgium, arriving shortly after midnight (according to our body clocks; according to the real clock I’ve lost count). Then we take a long–LONG–flight to Africa, stopping to re-fuel in Kenya. Then we’re on to Kampala, Uganda. The whole trip, including layovers (and not including delays) will take 33 and a half hours.
Oh my word.
I’m going to Africa.
Holy shmokes.
To my family, friends, and–most of all–my sweet Hubs, who are holding down my busy fort at home, THANK YOU so much for making this possible. And thanks to all of you who are, I know praying. It’s working. I feel remarkably calm. It’s been a productive week, and I’m ready. I’ve spent some sweet time with my kids and Hubs, and I’ve done a good bit of deep breathing, and praying. And I’ve thought a lot about what a lovely missionary in Uganda told me recently:
I remind myself daily that this is not a new world to God. He ordained the Ugandan’s days just has he has mine and He has been at work drawing these to Himself long before I was even aware of the place. His sovereignty, patience and faithfulness are overwhelming. And He never fails. Hold tight to Him!!
Really, is there anything else to say? I don’t think so.
So I’m signing off for now, though I’ll be checking in at the first possible opportunity (maybe as early as Chicago, maybe not until Uganda–it will just depend on the logistics.) I don’t know quite what to expect about any of this trip, but I know Who is going with me.
And that’s enough.
Godspeed.
God bless! Have a wonderful time. And tell us all about it! 🙂
So excited for you! I’m praying for you, your team, and your fam back at home.
We will be with you as well, in prayers and in spirit. Blessings to you on this missionary journey! Godspeed!!
Oh, definitely praying for you. And for those who are waiting to hear what you have to say. Hug some kiddos for me! To God be the glory.
Praise the Lord for answered prayers. May God lead forth mightily and wrap His arms around you throughout this whole trip.
I get all choked up just thinking of all you are about to see, hear, and experience while you are there.
More importantly than anything else, may you come back forever changed for the kingdom. God has a plan, and I can’t wait to see how He unfolds it for you, dear Shannon.
Hugs from afar for you, friend!
Blessings to you on your trip. I know you are going to “rock” in Uganda.
Praying for safe travels and peace for you and your family.
I am so excited for you! I will be following your progress and praying for y’all. 🙂
May God bless you and keep you safe.
Looking forward to reading all about it.
Hugs from N Ireland (wave as you are flying over on the way to Belgium! – I know it will be dark, but wave anyway!)
God bless you and your family. I can’t wait to read all about it!
Prayers and hugs and blessings,
Karla
I’ll be praying for you and the team!
Praying you a safe journey girl.
Praying for you big time!
Can’t wait to hear about it.
Hugs,
Sue
Sending you prayers and rest. International flights are a lot nicer than regular air flights. Enjoy the adventure!
Praying for you and all the others that are going!!! May you feel the peace that passess all understanding while you are gone. I can’t wait to read about your trip and the AMAZING things God is going to do in and through each of you!
Vickie
Wow, what an adventure. Good luck!
Praying for you as you make this journey.
Loved the quote from the missionary. So timely for all of us. This is not a new world to God. He is timeless as are His purposes, plans and words.
He holds all of us in the palm of His “ginormous” hand.
Enjoy the journey! Can’t wait to hear about your impressions as you view His palm from Africa.
My prayers are with you. Have a fabulous experience
God bless you!
God bless you for your courage and compassion. I’ll be eager to hear all about your adventure.
i so look forward to hearing how God writes His story through your heart and how it will change ours.
uganda! i so wish i were going. what precious people He loves. may He use you in ways you least expect it – to point the ones He died for to Him.
blessings…lylah
ps…i just came back from 26 hour trip to Spain. one word – brutal. another word. fabulous.
My hubbie went on a mission trip to Africa and he has this to suggest– stay awake until it would be time to sleep in Africa. This will help avoid jet lag.
Prayers for you and the others on the mission trip. Also, prayers for your family in your absence, may God’s perfect will be done!!
I am so glad that you’ve had a good week.
We are praying for you and your family. You are going to have an amazing time seeing God in a whole new way.
enjoy the journey and the ride that He will take you on. You won’t regret it. 🙂
Lifting you all up in prayer sweet Shannon!
His hand is upon you and He will shine beautifully through you and in every detail. I praise Him now for the lives that will be transformed! Have a blast!
Have a wonderful trip!!!
Mary
I’ll be thinking and praying for you! You are an inspiration and a (sadly) needed reminder to always allow God to walk first before me (I mean, I know he DOES – but I don’t remember somehow!)
God Bless!
God Bless You!!
Yep, you definitely have all you need. Praying for you!
I look forward to reading all about your trip. Safe travels and have a wonderful adventure.
Oh you will have a blast! My parents are in India doing the same thing and they have been loving it. Been the best thing they have ever done. Hard but amazing 🙂
Oh, Shannon! I’ve been meaning to email you, and here you are, almost on your way. My family and I will be praying for you and your family while you are gone. We are so proud of you and excited about your trip. I’ll be anxiously awaiting your updates.
Praying for you in Maryland…can’t wait to read all the posts!
Just a note to tell you that I am one of the many who will be praying for you as you go and eagerly awaiting to hear all about the trip. May God bless you and keep you in His grace. Blessings.
You are going to LOVE it!! I went to Mali, Africa in September and got to go again in January with my husband and oldest son–both mission trips with our church. It was awesome both times. May God bless you in this new experience!
“…He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” Psalm 91:11
God bless!
I used to travel overseas with work, and I went to Africa twice. Of all the places I’ve visited, Africa is by far my favorite. The land is beautiful, and the people have such a unique welcoming spirit. I know it will be a wonderful trip for you!
Best wishes to you as you say your good-byes to your family,
It won’t be easy but it will be worth it.
Love and prayers!!!
“May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be at your back.
May the sunshine warm upon your face.
And rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.”
Shannon, I’m praying for you and the team. God has such great things in store for you all. I love that you’re willing to go and be God’s love with skin on to those we’ve never seen. Godspeed, dear friend!
Praying that the Holy Spirit leads you and the team while on your journey. Thank you for having the heart to go where God leads you. Praying for safe travels and for safety for your family while you are gone. What a life changing experience – enjoy.
I’m praying for a great trip- may God bless you!
Our prayers are with you!!
God bless you and your sweet ones. I wasn’t sure of the exact day until now but I have been looking at my calendar, so excited for y’all.
Happy Trails Shannon! Have a great time. Be smart and be safe.
I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
You’re going to be just fine. It’s Hubs I’m worried about. 🙂
Will keep y’all in our prayers.
Praying for a safe journey and an amazing experience. God speed.
I’ve been meaning to send you (and Sophie) some of the lyrics to Steven Curtis Chapman’s new song called “Yours.” I pray it will encourage you as you visit a part of the world that’s so very in need of Jesus.
I walk the dirt roads of Uganda
I see the scars that war has left behind
Hope like the sun is fading
They’re waiting for a cure no one can find
And I hear children’s voices singing
Of a God who heals and rescues and restores
And I’m reminded
That every child in Africa is Yours
And its all Yours, God, Yours, God
Everything is Yours
From the stars in the sky
To the depths of the ocean floor
And its all Yours, God, Yours, God
Everything is Yours
You’re the Maker and Keeper, Father and Ruler of everything
It’s all Yours
No matter what you see, no matter how much your hearts break, remember: It’s all His.
Now go and open your hearts wide! God will fill them.
Have a safe trip and an amazing journey. I can’t wait to hear all about it.
Wow! Best of luck.
Pack your hiking boots – I don’t know anything about Africa, but O’Hare and Brussels are both HUGE airports. I hope your carry on has wheels!
I just can’t wait to hear all about your trip when you get back. I’ll pray for you. God bless!
I will be praying for you.
Hi!
I do your giveaways a lot and actually won during the carnival. :^) Thank you for agreeing to go. I am so excited to read about what is going on in Uganda. The internet has revolutionized how we view people in need. I know without a doubt that your blogs and the other blogs will have such an impact on this kids.
PLEASE take a lot of pictures and post them. I can’t wait to read your blog. I have a heart for Africa. There is so much turmoil over there. I am praying for you and BooMama. Thank you for going!! May God bless your journey incredibly!!!
Julie
Don’t forget your camera! I wanna see pics when you get back.
Godspeed! Keeping you and your family in prayer!
My thoughts and prayers go with you. I look forward to reading all about it.
…and so begins this adventure…
Godspeed and peace:)
Go in God’s grace. I pray the Lord’s protective covering over you, Shannon, and the entire team.
May He bless you and use you in mighty ways.
Before our Compassion child died in October, Craig got the chance to meet him in person, in Uganda. It changed him.
We now have another boy, also in Uganda. I hope one day we can meet him as well.
You won’t be sorry you went.
Shannon,
I have just recently started reading your blog, and enjoy it immensely! What a wonderful opportunity for you to go to Africa. May the Lord protect you during your journey, and thank you for showing us an example of how we all can live our lives for Christ.
Prasti
What an incredibly eXciting opportunity! May you be used by God to accomplish His purpose and sheltered in His loving arms.
I look forward to hearing all about your trip; I am sure it will completely turn my world upside down. You and your family will be in my prayers.
Have an amazing trip, Shannon! I can’t wait to hear about it.
You’re in my prayers. Can’t wait to read about your trip.
safe trip and safe travels
cant read what youre up too
Wish you all the very best for your journey.
Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Funny how I simply read your blog daily and come to have a passion to pray for your journey and don’t even know you. You are my sister in Christ, and that’s all that matters! Joy, Bitsy
Bless you as you go and your family who stays! Can’t wait to read about it!
You are all in my prayers.
Can’t wait to read all about it!
What an amazing opportunity you have been blessed with! I pray that God gives you safe travels and gives your family safety as they await your return, and that you will be blessed by all you see and do.
Angie
I will most definitely be keeping you in my prayers! Have a blessed trip!
A while ago I was going through something tough and I made myself an award out of construction paper (blue “ribbon” gold “award”) that said “Today’s Bravest One”
Shannon, you get to keep this one for a while.
May the road rise to meet you.
Praying over you all!
holly
Praying.
Love and many prayers for a safe trip! May God keep you in His care. I can’t wait to see the things that God reveals to you and those He reveals to us through your writing.
God bless you. Looking forward to your next post 🙂
Praying for all of you,
Liza
Can’t wait to hear about it! Have an awesome time. I know God will bless this for you and the others going!
What an awesome experience! I pray you get all God has for you on this trip.
I will pray that you and your group have a safe and enlightening trip. Can’t wait to read all about it.
I am so very excited for you! Prayers continue! Blessings friend!
I will keep you, your family and the others you are traveling with in my prayers. Best Wishes!
safe travels!
God bless you and keep you safe!
~Amy
God Bless you and the others as you travel to a whole “‘nother” world! God has you in his Mighty Hands no matter where you are! Cant wait to hear about all the blessings you receive from such an experience.
Can’t wait to hear all about it!
Blessings~
I have really admired you for stepping out of your comfort zone and taking this amazing trip. I can really relate to the “comfort” of the comfort zone. ipYou’ve given me a little inspiration and encouragement in your way. Prayers for a safe and successful trip.
You are in our hearts and prayers and love goes with you from not only your family but all those to whom you have come to mean so much. Since God goes before and with you, you will be successful in your mission. God bless you and your team.
I just recently found your site and am so glad that I did. I will be praying for you. Two people who have had the greatest impact on my spiritual life are serving our Lord in Thailand. They have been ther with their family for almost 10 years and have lead hundreds to Christ. Their oldest child is a freshman at Union University in Tenn. that was destroyed by tornados this week. She lost all of her earthly possession but we are praising God that her life was spared. I pray that the Lord will surround you with His protection as you travel and that ALL you meet will see HIS love thru you. Pam, South Bend
I’m inspired that you are going to Africa with Compassion! I’ve been reading your blog and keeping track of bloggy giveaways now for a while and haven’t ever looked at any profile info about you until now. My hubby and I are members at a PCA church as well! We absolutely adore it. I’ll be thinking of you on your trip!
Wishing you a safe and wonderful trip. I can’t wait to read your accounts! God bless you!
Shannon, I will be thinking about you and praying for you every day while you’re gone!
I know you will be greatly blessed in this journey. How wonderful it must be to be used in such a powerful way, to do the Lord’s work! Have a safe trip…Can’t wait to hear all about it. Prayers will be with you & Sophie…
Woo-hoo! It’s happening! You’re going to LOVE it, in retrospect if not in real time 😉 Have a fantastic flight, drink lots of water, and relax. Can’t wait to read your posts from over there.
I know you are excited! Remember to look for Pamela (tall blonde woman- not many in Kampala)-my friend in Kampala that is a missionary. I know she would love a “home” contact. If you see her give her a hug for me. Have a great time and savour the moments. Holly
Have fun and look forward to hearing all about the trip.
That’s pretty amazing! I’ll be praying for you. My sister spent 3 weeks in Africa a while back and it was definitely a life changing experience for her. Looking forward to hearing your reports. God Bless You!
Shannon, we are thinking about you and Hubs and the kids and praying for a safe and blessing-filled journey. It will indeed change you–I still often think of my trip to Haiti (over thirteen years ago!). Looking forward to reading your posts and hearing all about your experiences.
With love,
Amy
Safe travels! Can’t wait for an update!
Good for you. I know God has a special reason for arranging for this trip to Uganda.
God Bless You in Your Mission Trip.
I’ll also pray that all goes well at home in your absence.
Blessings,
Maryann
I’m praying for you too. I hope you all have a wonderful experience and that many lives are touched because of this trip!
I have been to Africa several times and even started a new charity when I came home from one trip. Uganda and Kenya have a very special place in my heart. I can’t wait to hear your adventures.
Play a game and see who can get a picture of someone carrying the biggest load on a boda boda bike (our record is a couch with three people on it). Watch out for Donkeys. 🙂
I’m so excited for you!
Bless you guys as you go, Shannon. Our prayers go with you!
I am SO praying for you and your companions!
deb meyers
I’m very much looking forward to reading about your ministry trip Shannon. We’re going to be publishing a story, about a girls’ dream to go to Africa as a missionary, next month. May the Lord bless your journey.
Go with God, Shannon. Blessings.