Meet the Team!

"Many are the plans in a person's heart,

but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."

Proverbs 19:21

When this second trip to Ghana began to take shape--just weeks ago, really--we had no idea what it would look like exactly. We weren't sure who all was going, or even what our full purpose would be. We just knew we were going.

And, now as we look back at who all was gathered "for such a time as this", I am once again reminded that God's great purposes always prevail.

He put together this team of people, who didn't even all know each other, to accomplish great things in His strength. And, I am so honored to have been a very small part of this group. So, I want to attempt an introduction at these amazing people:

Brad Gautney and his two adorable girls, Hope and Emma

Brad performed all the health screenings on the children this summer, and organized this follow-up trip with the purpose of providing extended health care for the children, including surgery for 12! He put the surgical team in place and was also responsible for the Mosquito Net Campaign that so many of you joined! He is literally the life of the party and lives his life to serve those in need. He inspires us to dream bigger and to join God where He is, even if those places are hard.

And, how do I even describe the JOY of having Hope and Emma on this trip? Those two girls are AMAZING and handled every detail of this trip with such grace and joy. They reached these little ones in ways we never could, and were instrumental in every single effort, from surgery to painting to comforting the kids who were in pain. I told them many times how much I hope and pray my girls grow up to be Hope and Emma. We love you girls SO much. Thank you for completely giving of yourself this week and setting an example for those of us around you.

Jaron and Rebekah Pitts

A couple of months ago, we began talking with the Pitts about joining a trip to Ghana. We could tell they were fully ready to be a part of what is happening there, and we just felt strongly that the Lord was putting this together for a reason. So, we invited them along, and from the first moment, they have been "all in" and ready for anything that lied ahead.

Jaron agreed to serve as our professional photographer and videographer, and we had no idea how WELL he would do that job. He has over 1,000 powerful pictures that put my sorry photos to shame. He has footage and video that is literally priceless, and I can't wait for you all to see it. (For a sneak peek, visit his album on Facebook!!)

And, when he wasn't videoing or snapping pictures, he was doing this:

He was also our worship leader for the week, and that was just an added bonus! Watching him lead these children in the most Spirit-filled worship I've ever seen was just AMAZING. I just kept thinking "God had such big plans for the Pitts in Ghana...bigger than we even imagined."

And, Rebekah. How do I tell you how much I loved experiencing this trip with you?

From the very beginning, you were the one who was ready to be flexible and just serve in any way that was put before you. And, boy did you do that. You were a playtime partner, a child snuggler, a lego builder, an art teacher, a comforter for those in surgery, a photographer assistant, an encourager, a prayer partner, a friend...and the most flexible, patient, joy-filled team member ever!

I'm so thankful for the time we spent this week, and I know hundreds of children know they are loved because of your touch and smile.

Shannon Voss

Two weeks before we left for Ghana, I believe the Lord called Shannon to this trip. There were a few barriers (like her job as a nurse!) that seemed to be in the way of her coming. And, we all watched as each one just completely fell, and the path was made clear for her to be there. Shannon, God had such plans for you this week. And, He knew how much we would all need you there. I'm SO thankful that you chose to just JUMP in, not fully knowing what would be in store.

Shannon was greeted with the same running hugs that Mark and I received, because the kids were SO excited to see her again. And, from that first moment, I loved watching Shannon's huge smile as she played with the kids who she loved so much. As the week continued, God used her amazing medical experience to minister to these kids in a way NO ONE else could. Shannon ran the entire post-operation care for these kids, and did it with such commitment and compassion.

Even though her nursing took place in a room that was 105 degrees (and quite dirty) she was just steadily serving the entire time.

Shannon was also my strength in many moments. I enjoyed being able to download with her on my thoughts and feelings at the end of very long days, and I loved that we both were able to reconnect, even though we were halfway across the world from home. :)

Taylor Tidmore

As we arrived home from our trip to Ghana last summer, we received an email from Taylor, letting us know that he was interested in joining this work in Ghana. He read Jantsen's Gift and was already in love with the children there and the work being done. Even though we receive emails like this from time to time, we could tell that Taylor meant it. And, we could already see how much value he would bring to the work there. After he connected with Brad Gautney, and began to get involved with the medical needs of these kids, he joined the trip!

Taylor and Heather are old friends from college, and people who I have always really loved being around. They are also adopting from Ethiopia, so we have been able to reconnect with them through our hearts for adoption as well. So, we were excited to travel with him and experience Ghana with good friends.

Once again, Taylor jumped in, knowing nothing about how the trip would go, or how he would be used by God. He just went in faith, knowing he was supposed to be there.

And, boy did God have plans for Taylor. Not only was he a wonderful fatherly presence for these kids, who were drawn to him like a magnet, but he also was able to use his medical training in both surgery, and as an ENT to help these kids. Taylor was a significant part of every single surgery, and was even able to help one deaf child, Jacob, to hear again! He was just rescued a few months ago! It was amazing!!

I have to say that as I watched him work, I cried....alot. I don't know what it was. I just kept thinking how far we've all come since college days. And, to watch the way he gently took care of these kids was just so amazing. We sent pictures to Heather back home often, sharing what an amazing job her husband was doing. :)

I sure hope both Heather and Taylor can come with us again on future trips. I have a feeling they are a part of this for many more years to come.

Rachel (aka, Racy)

Oh my, Rachel. How do I even describe how much I love you? I've never laughed harder than when I'm with you. And, I've never seen someone so committed, so talented, so EQUIPPED by the Lord for the work you are doing. Those children love you so completely, and you just minister to their hearts in magical ways. You bring out the best in everyone and you make us LAUGH even in the most stressful of times. :)

I loved our late-night bathroom chats, our ability to know what the other was thinking, and most of all, getting to love on these little ones next to you.

God is going to continue to do GREAT things through you, Rach. I'm so proud to be your friend.

Pam

Although I've known Pam for months, I have not spent time in Ghana with her until now. To watch her "in action", loving the kids she has rescued over the last two years, and trusting the Lord for what He is doing with Touch a Life...it was very powerful for me. Whether it was painting with the kids, or worshipping late at night, or sitting outside in lawn chairs dreaming together about the new village, I just kept thinking how blessed I was to be serving alongside this amazing woman. At one point, we were walking back together from visiting a little preschool, and she began to cry as she talked about how this team was formed. I began to cry as we talked about how we met and how this came to be, all because of our sweet sons. And, in these moments I realized that God was up above, just watching all of this play out, just so happy to watch us recognize His hand in all that was happening.

I can honestly say that Pam is one of those people who never misses the hand of God at work around her. She gives all credit to Him for the rescue of these children, for the program that is in place in Ghana, and for the future things God is planning for Touch a Life. And, I love listening to her talk so humbly about her part in all of it. Pam, thank you for blessing us. And, for showing us the Source of all good things that come for these kids.

Another thing I want to share about Pam. After all the responsibilities that fall on her for this ministry, what matters most to her at the end of the day is still the kids. So many times I looked over to see her quietly painting with one child, or reading to another, or comforting another. One on one time as much as possible. And, she loves each one and knows each one so completely. It is an inspiration to watch her love them above all else that demands her time.

I love you, Pam. I'm so thankful we got to spend this time in Ghana.

The Vanderpools

Months ago, after the health screenings were finished, Brad mentioned that he knew the Vanderpools, and that he hoped they would be able to come and perform the necessary surgeries for the children. I had not heard of this amazing family before, but shortly came to know more about them and their great work around the world. The Vanderpools are ACU alumni, and literally have given their life to their ministry, MMDR. They provide health care for those who need it most, and literally rehabilitate villages and towns in the hardest of places, so that they can thrive!

This family was one of the most amazing families I have ever met. Dr. Vanderpool is a vascular surgeon and performed all the surgeries during the week with such skill, but such absolute humility. (And, by the way, even though he won't be the one to tell you, he has been recognized by People Magazine as 2010 Hero of the Year!)

"Mama Vanderpool" (as we named her) was his assistant in all things, and had such amazing knowledge and experience. She, too, serves so quietly, and loved on the kids in such sweet and gentle ways. She was this light in the darkness, with her smile and love. She literally overflowed with JOY and encouraged all of us in so many ways.

Two of the Vanderpool children, David and Jacklyn, were also a part of this trip, and were truly amazing.

From the earliest years of their childhood, they have been traveling with their parents, and assisting in all the medical treatments and surgeries. These two know more than I can even express about third world countries, diseases, treatments, surgeries, eco-development of third world villages....and the list could go on and on. They both have big plans for serving the Lord through missions in their lives, and it was so inspiring to watch a family work together to serve Him. I can only hope that my children will live a life with such bigger purposes and such a large worldview as these two did. (Not to mention that they were hilariously entertaining and GREAT with the kids!! They just added so much to this trip and this team!!!)

Tracy

Tracy is one of the most talented nurses I've ever seen in action and was definitely another key part of this entire surgery team. The Vanderpools met Tracy when she was working in Haiti, and we were all so thankful that she joined their team again for Ghana! I think this tells alot about her: When she went to Haiti, she had no plan and no team she was a part of. She and her roommate just went. They saw the need, they knew they were trained to help, and they just went on faith. I LOVE that. The day after they arrived, the Vanderpools arrived. And, God joined their amazing abilities together for even greater good to be accomplished. I enjoyed getting to know you, Tracy, and your sweet spirit is just so contagious. Thank you for sharing your heart with all of us, and especially with the kids. I hope we get to travel again soon!!

Lisa, Stacey, Nan, Meg, and Cherilyn

When we planned our medical trip to Ghana, we had no idea that another trip was already being formed with similar dates. We were so surprised and excited to hear that we would overlap with this amazing team of women! And, we were blessed to be there for a few days with them also.

Before we arrived, these women spent a week with the kids, doing art, teaching, taking them to doctor appointments, and just loving on them as mommies. Lisa and Stacey finally got to deliver the quilts that they had sewn and prayed over for a year. And, although we weren't there to watch this happen, we heard many stories of the powerful moments that occurred as they prayed over each child and gave them their quilt.

What we WERE able to see, though, was how MUCH the children loved their quilts. It was their most prized possession, and certainly something God had planned for them all along. Stacey and Lisa were also constantly alonside the children who had surgery, praying over them and reading scripture to calm their little spirits.

They both stayed an additional few days just to make sure these kids were well-taken care of. And, they definitely were!

Nan is a kindred soul I have heard about for many months, and I was looking very forward to meeting her. Nan lost her precious son, Connor, almost two years ago, and just like so many of us, have found a new purpose in her pain, as she ministers to children who need a mommy's love. Nan was the perfect one to pass on this love.

I got to spend hours talking with Nan about our stories, our sons, and our journeys to Ghana. It was wonderful to get to know her and to get to know her sweet Connor. I pray that she continues to experience the Lord's healing in new ways, as she serves these children in His strength.

Do you know what is most exciting? Connor's House will be next to Chase's Place!! How beautiful it is that such loss can be redeemed in such healing ways for all involved, as these children are given new life...and all of us as parents are too.

I really could spend a long time describing the beautiful way this team was created, and how neat it was to see Him weave this trip in a way only He could.

None of us knew exactly what to expect. And, none of us left the same as we came. We watched Him do crazy amazing things, and were all so humbled to be doing it together.