unashamed love.: Kelsey comes to Texas!

last week i had the privilege of having a dear friend of mine visit for a few days. the funny thing is we actually met in uganda this past september. i have to say, our God sure knows what He is doing when he connects people around the world. He knew 4 short months later, Kelsey would be in texas standing in front of 200 youth sharing about God's goodness, faithfulness, and restoration process happening in the mawanga village of uganda. HE made Himself known through every word and every story shared. God is on the move and i believe He desires for this generation to rise up and step out in faith. (below is a picture of us)

kelsey lives in kampala, uganda and we met one sunday after church. we only had one day that our schedules coordinated and allowed us to visit. (click here to read more on how we met). we sat at dinner sunday evening and shared with each other where God has brought us and what we are learning in our current season of life. i can't tell you how encouraging this woman was and still is to me. she has walked a similar road as i am now on. she has spoken words over me that i know the Lord wanted me to hear. i am so thankful to God for her and the friendship we have developed. through the world of social networking and emails, we stayed up-to-date (well as much as we could). and when i picked her up at the airport last tuesday, it was as though we had not missed a day in-between. those friendships are rare and a true gift the Lord gives!

meeting in africa and communicating through internet or skype, our conversations were filled with more of ministry conversations. God was working through her ministry (ROWAN) and of course i wanted to here all about it. with that, we didn't know much about the "other parts" of our lives...such as family life, friendships, etc....so we filled in the gaps...it sure was fun living life together for a few days. again, a huge blessing and gift!

wednesday was filled with speaking at Cleburne Christian Academy, coffee at mill street cafe, lunch with the youth pastor and others, and then speaking to the youth group at Cleburne Bible Church. it surely was a day of making much of Jesus! and i believe He is stirring the hearts of those who were there at church.

Kelsey speaking at youth wednesday night...

thursday we had an unexpected lunch with the principle of Cleburne Christian Academy. he was touched by what kelsey shared wednesday and wanted to know more. we are excited to see all what God does through this! praying for big things! after lunch we spent several hours at starbucks visiting with some of the youth. that evening kelsey shared the story of ROWAN to the missions board and ultimately the story of God working in the mawanga village. we praise God in advance for what He will do!! as they say in uganda: Mukama Yebizibwe "Praise God"

friday we drove up to dallas in time to eat lunch with some of her family before her flight. i loved getting to meet them....

Friday lunch with her cousin and aunt