A new beginning

So...I've officially entered the blogosphere. I've got to confess, I feel like I'm buying an iPod 3 years after everyone else already has one (for the record, I was an early adopter there). I hesitated to start one for so long because I didn't want to be another girl on her soapbox, spouting diatribes into the growing online forum. Also, the thought of putting all my crap out there for people to comment on seemed sort of like an online version of the Real World. Side note: Mom and Dad...I'm really good, no matter what anyone says. I promise :)

But as usual, I digress. The purpose of Follow The String is Upendo (Swahili for Love). This is a place to share with all of you something amazing that's recently begun happening in my life. As I began to trust God's guiding hand this last year (read: taking action when He directed me to), I got a new job that is AMAZING, found I had gifts that could help others, and the truest love there is made my heart burst. I am loved so much by my family, my friends and my God that I've utterly changed because of it.

For the first time ever, my heart is so overflowing with pure love, I can do nothing but let it spill over and heal others. I'm already tyring to do this in Kansas City, but the opportunity of a lifetime is in front of me (or across the world) in Nairobi, Kenya. July 14-29, I'm going with Soulfari Kenya to work in two different orphanages there, cradling and playing with beautiful creatures like these (from last year's trip - thanks for the photos, Tim)!

Sarah and Julius Were are an amazing couple that lead this trip, and they're passionate about this beautiful culture and helping Kenyans succeed. The journey isn't going to be easy, and I'll need all the help I can get from friends and family - prayers and school supplies down the road, and most importantly, support for my kickass spring fundraiser...details to come.

In the next six months, I'll journal here, filling you in about the group's needs and posting pictures when I'm gone. It is important to me that you're all a part of this journey. It is through your love and community that I've become the woman that I am...know that you're all on this path with me, in some way or another.

Badaye (later)!