So. I’m Going To Africa.

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.

110 thoughts on “So. I’m Going To Africa.”

  6. pam says:

    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!

  7. Mary B says:

    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.

  9. JanMary, N Ireland says:

    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!)

  16. Vickie@PursuingSimplicity says:

    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

  19. seized by hope says:

    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.

  23. lylah ledner says:

    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.

  24. Leslie says:

    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.

  26. Queen B says:

    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.

  28. Fran says:

    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!

  30. elizabeth says:

    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!

  35. Missy P says:

    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.

  37. Jean Stockdale says:

    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.

  38. Denise says:

    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!

  40. Manda says:

    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!

  43. Activities Coordinator says:

    “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.”

  44. Shalee says:

    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!

  45. jenn says:

    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.

  48. Melanie says:

    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.

  50. Cousin DV says:

    You’re going to be just fine. It’s Hubs I’m worried about. 🙂
    Will keep y’all in our prayers.

  52. Kelly @ Love Well says:

    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.

  55. Amy says:

    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!

  57. Julie W says:

    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

  63. Megan says:

    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.

  64. prasti says:

    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

  66. Susan G. says:

    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.

  71. Bitsy says:

    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

  74. Angie says:

    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

  76. Stephanie says:

    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.

  88. Shelley Hale says:

    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.

  90. Jean says:

    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.

  91. Mary says:

    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.

  92. Pam says:

    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

  93. Anjanette says:

    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!

  96. AnnieH says:

    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…

  97. edj says:

    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.

  98. holly says:

    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

  100. Diana says:

    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!

  101. Cousin Amy says:

    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

  104. Amy says:

    I’m praying for you too. I hope you all have a wonderful experience and that many lives are touched because of this trip!

  105. bek says:

    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. 🙂

  109. Sisterlisa says:

    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.

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