The Heart and Faith and Love of a Child...or Two in this Case...

As I promised in my last post, I have been extremely blessed during this season of fundraising. I truly believe God is using it to show me that while my independence is awesome, I need to learn that I can't (and don't) do it on my own. He is there with me every step of the way, and so many family and friends are there with me too!

One of the most touching stories I've experienced thus far includes two young girls who I have known and loved for several years now. They are the daughters of two of my colleagues -- Jason and Jennifer Boyle. After giving one of my support request letters to Jen and Jason, they shared the letter with Ella and Claire (their daughters) who were both excited to help out!

Several weeks later, Claire and Ella ran a neighborhood lemonade stand to raise money for me and my trip! They ended up raising $32.00 in just one day of lemonade sales, and they donated it all to my trip fund! Shortly thereafter, they came up to work to present me with the envelope of money. It nearly brought tears to my eyes. I remember being their age, getting birthday money, and being so excited about the books, toys, etc. that I could buy with the money. I also remember being excited about saving some of my money. To know that those thoughts were probably going through their heads...and that they chose to help send me to Uganda instead of saving or spending their lemonade stand money means the world to me -- literally, the world!!

Here's a quick picture of my 2 youngest supporters who have hearts of heroes. I took this the day they presented me with their donation!

So, although words can hardly express my full gratitude... THANK YOU, Ella and Claire. You have helped me more than you'll know, which will know help many people who I know the Lord will touch with, by, and through this trip!

As an update, I still have a little more than $1,000 to raise...and exactly 1 month left to do it! Yes, we leave 1 month from today!!! If you would like to support me, please visit the Imani Tumaini Upendo website and donate (put my name in the comments box so they know to track the donation to my fundraising totals), or email/call/message me for my address to send a check or cash donation that I will turn in for you. {Please note: the donation website works best in internet browsers OTHER THAN internet explorer}

I know that God has BIG plans for our team and for me on this trip! I also truly believe He has big plans for YOU -- as you pray for us, send donations, and share our story with others! I hope Ella and Claire's story serves as inspiration to you -- that even the smallest amount of support is helpful! ANY donation means so much to me because of where the money goes...and because of what it signifies -- giving and obedient hearts! Thank you in advance for the love you are sharing with me and our whole team!