The Preparation

   I arrived at Smile very early yesterday morning. Pastor Ruth had informed me that there was some tension and arguing between a few of the workers in the babies department, my department...naturally. So I had to arrive an hour earlier than usual so that we could have a meeting. In no other department was there an issue between workers, so this really needed to stop. It basically came down to a pride issue. Certain people thought they were better or more qualified than others and this caused issues between a few of the girls working in the babies room. Once we had our meeting and talked it out, everything was resolved...or at least I think it was! I thanked everyone for their hard work and then Pastor Ruth drove me back to my hotel.

   Just 2 nights ago I was having dinner with a family that is from New York that moved to Tororo, Uganda as missionaries. They run The International House of Prayer in Tororo as well as an organization called Youth Ablaze. It was great getting to know them and to play with their children. They started asking me questions about my work at Smile Africa and what I like to do. The conversation then moved on to my church back home. We were talking a lot and one thing led to another then they said,

"Hey, would you like to speak at our church service this Friday? It's at the International House of Prayer. Would you mind speaking to our students?"

   I am not even entirely sure on what I said that made them think that I was great preacher, or at all prepared for something like this. Nor am I sure why I said,

"Of course! I would love to!"

   Once I got back to the hotel I started panicking. What did I get myself into?! I have spoken before, but not like this. I was nervous the last time and it all went smoothly, but this was different. Before I had spoken like 10 minutes during the service, but this time...I am going to be the whole message. Like praise and worship, then announcements, then ME! My heart started pounding, I had a shortage of breath, the walls were closing in on me...okay okay, so that might be a tad dramatic.

  I did what every person does when they panic...I called my mom. First of all, my mom laughed at my sheer terror, then she gave me good motherly words of wisdom...

"Oh Bunny, you'll do fine!"

"Yes mom, I'll do fine...before or after I pass out?"

   The whole day yesterday I prepared my message. I did not realize how hard it is to actually write a message...well at least a first message! All of a sudden I had a lot more respect for my dad! This is the first message that I have ever written...so we will see how it goes! I was glued to my computer for 4 hours, searching, reading, and praying that God would give me the words to say.

   After all my preparation, I am getting excited to share what God has placed on my heart. This is going to be fun! So many people had told me before I left that my trip was going to be a game changer for me, I didn't know what that meant, but now I am starting to understand. Everything that I have gone through and all the new adventures that God is taking me on is really forming me and changing me into a brand new person. I am excited to see what else God has in store for me.

"Oh Lord help me! Please God, calm my heart and give me peace! I pray God that the words that I speak will come from you. Thank you for this opportunity to share what's on my heart about serving. I had no idea that You had all this prepared for me when I left for Tororo. Thank you for trusting me with speaking into the lives of your children. I love you! Amen."