Today's the day!!

Oh my! I had intended to blog a few times this week before we leave today, to provide some updates along the way.

But, somehow time has flown by, and here I am just hours before we're leaving, trying my best to cram it all into one BIG blog! So, grab a chair. This could be a long one.

There are many thoughts running through my head today. I am thankful...for so many of you who have joined us in these efforts of blessing these precious ones in Ghana. I am prayerful...for our upcoming trip, asking for God's protection as we travel, and His unfailing love surrounding us as we do His work this week. I am anxious...to finally walk on African soil for the first time, and experience what my heart has been dreaming of for so long. And, I am mindful...of my sweet Chase, who literally changed our hearts and made this new road possible for us. Without you, baby boy, we would not be boarding a plane for Africa today. But, now we know--without a doubt---that we are right where God would like us to be. You are a sweet gift to us, Chase Allen, and we do all of this with you in our hearts and minds.

My emotions have been at an all time high the last few days. So many great things are happening because of all of YOU and I'm watching again as God multiplies your generosity into an abundance for these kids. At the same time, there have been some difficult moments these last few days. Some of us have been dealing with illnesses, major family stressors, and just the general stress of getting everything together for this trip. It has felt at times as if the enemy is doing his best to distract or discourage us. So, we ask for your prayers for our team, that God will go before us in all things, as He promises to do, and surround us with His shield. I have said again and again to myself "He who is within us is stronger than he who is in the world"! We know God will bless this trip and keep us in His care. We do ask that you join us in believing that and praying for that!

In the meantime, satan has NO hold here, because there are GREAT things happening, friends!!

Packing Party 2010!

It's still hard to believe that we fit all of our donated supplies in our suitcases, but we did! As of last night, when we packed $3000 worth of medications, we are officially filled to the brim. We are taking almost 700 POUNDS of supplies to these kids!! That's a total of 14 suitcases full of everything from neosporin to toothbrushes to flip flops to art supplies, as well as a huge box of medicine!! We can't wait to share their goodies with them!

Look at the fun PILES of supplies!

Our sweet kids got to join in the fun too. They packed some supplies...

and packed each other. :)

And, in the end, we had every suitcase full. It was a fun night to see it all come together, after months of collecting and sorting and preparing!

Prestoncrest VBS Fundraiser!

This has been a VERY special week for our family and for the kids who attended the High Seas Expedition at Prestoncrest! As always, my girls have LOVED their week at VBS, and have been refilled on some good friend-time they had been missing. :)

But, most importantly, we were blessed that His Chase was the charity receiving the donations of these 300 children!

This week, each class at VBS received a picture of a child in Ghana, who we will be spending the week with. They were asked to bring their money to bless this child, and to pray for their child throughout the week.

The first day, I shared with the kids about the beautiful story of these children's lives, as they have gone from being child slaves, to living and belonging in a wonderful Godly home. I shared a little bit about the awful conditions these children have endured and asked the VBS kids to help them have beds, clothes, and all the things they deserve in life.

The next day, they raised $600!!

Then, on Tuesday, Kendyll told her 300 friends all about Chase's Place, as well as the reason we began this project. I was SO incredibly proud of her, as she shared about her baby brother's life, and about what all we plan to fill this precious home with: bunk beds, a dining room, a library, an arts and crafts center....It was a true treasure to listen to my oldest girl share her heart. (And, of course, Mark and I were both sobbing. :) Grandparents, video is coming to the blog soon!

After Kendyll shared that day, the kids raised $900!!

And, we still have today to go!

I can't wait to see what the grand total will be and am truly amazed at the generous hearts of children. I heard countless stories this week about dinner conversations happening with parents over what they had learned and heard about Ghana. That is truly God's hand at work! These children saw a need, they were broken-hearted over what they heard, and they stepped up!!! There is so much to learn from children, isn't there?

At the beginning of the week, we were hoping to raise enough money to buy one or two bunk beds for Chase's Place, providing a new bed for up to 4 children.

But, NO! Not with the way these kids took action! We are now at TWELVE beds, and counting!! The Prestoncrest children could easily furnish every single bunk bed we need for Chase's Place!

I really can't believe the way God continues to multiply everyone's efforts and gifts. All I can say is He LOVES these precious children in Ghana, and He wants the VERY best for them! We are excited to keep running alongside Him in the efforts!

Meanwhile, we have been spending time trying to soak up every moment with our precious girls. We have fit in all of our favorite foods with family dinners every night, and we even got to celebrate Mark's birthday a little early.

Since we're talking about our CUTIES, let me show you a picture that I LOVE. Have you ever seen cuter shirts than these?? Our sweet ACU friend, Jere, so kindly surprised us with these in the mail last week!! Thank you, Jere!

And, a huge thank you to our family, who will be busy watching kids, watching our house, taking care of the dog, and praying continuously for all involved this week. We couldn't do any of this without all of you!

And, now, a verse God reminded me of this morning. I've heard it hundreds of times, but it's new every time: Now to Him who is able to do IMMEASURABLY MORE than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus, throughout all generations {and nations!}, forever and ever! Ephesians 3:20

All glory to You, Lord, as we do Your work this week. We humbly ask you to do exceedingly, abundantly more than we could ever dream!