With a Grateful Heart

I am absolutely blown away by God and how he has surrounded me with His unconditional love these past months.  I never knew he could work through so many people to support me on my missions trip and help make any of this possible.  Without my supporters I would not be embarking on this new journey and chapter of my life, so I want to thank you. 

First and foremost, I thank my amazing family who have been nothing but supportive and excited for me, and for being such key instruments in my walk with Jesus.  Thanks, Mom, for taking off work for a week and helping me with preparations, even when I got cranky. J I hope I can impart even just some of the love that you have shown me to those I meet in Swazi. Thanks, Dad, for your constant support and lightening my mood with your humor!  Thanks Em, John, and baby Justus for taking time to come see me amidst your moving from Nashville!  Thanks Justin for never ceasing to make me laugh, and even though I denied your offer to get me a weapon for defense, I appreciate you wanting to protect me. Thanks Garret for just wanting to spend time with me, appreciating me, being excited for me, and loving me.  Thanks, Laura, for just being you!  You have a servant’s heart and I am encouraged by you. I love you all so much!

Secondly, I want to thank my church at home, St. Mary’s of the Nativity, for the overwhelming movement of support and love for me and my trip.  I have been moved to tears by all of your donations, contributions, and ministry supplies for the trip.  It is truly amazing how we can be truly united as one body, and I thank God for that.  I am so blessed to be a part of this church community!

Thirdly, my trip would not have been possible without the generous donations of these important people:
Theresa Stephens, Hugo Wilms, Bob Hurley, G & G Martin, Justin Tyson, Mitch Woldt, Katie Josephson, St. Mary’s CCW, Ellen James, Deb Lightfoot, Father Mark, Chris Owen, Jayne Boebel, Mr. and Mrs. Huggett, Bev Matthews, the O’Herrins, Kathy Turco, the Hack Family, Emily Sear, Eileen Bender and Religious Ed. students, Terry and Donna Ludkey, Richard Raab, Kathy Haack, Susan Leeper, William Dorsey, Barb Hegna, Ralph and Linda Robinson, Kim Erb, Teresa Tyson, Jim Raab, Sharon Holz, Gini Frey, Kathleen Rickerson, Cheryl Saldana, Kay Vincent, G & G Raab, Linda Engels, Mark Ducklow, Taryn Johnson, Dayn Lukes, Holly Anderson, Kirsten and Megan, Molly Downes, Zack Szyman, Sam Consodine, Joe Freidel, Nancy Chadwick, Sabrina, Kath Eaton, Sarah Mattson, Sarah Meeuson, Jody and Jim Brown, Kim Stricker, Angela Hurley, Lauren Erb, Heather Meinholz, Barb Kloepping, the Reamers, the Kurts, all the others of you who donated items for the ministry supplies, and any and all of you who have made me feel so special and loved (Jenna, thanks for the going away party)!         

Last but certainly not least…thank you to all of you who have already been praying for me and who will be praying for me on the trip!  I would not be able to do this without you!  I appreciate you taking the time out of your busy days to spend time in prayer.  How great is the power of prayer!

Oh, and one more…thank you to my team members whom I will be meeting in one day!  Thank you, ahead of time, for working with me, sharing in the struggles and joys that are ahead of us, and serving our Lord and Savior together as one body!

With the bottom of my heart I send each of you my love and appreciation for your impact in my life. God has left me breathless and in awe of His mighty presence as he has worked through each of you. May you be blessed this summer as you have been a blessing to me!

I leave for Swaziland with grateful heart, giving thanks for YOU!