The Adventure Begins

My friend Shanae has started calling my trip to Lesotho "Jillian's Safari." It started out as a joke, but now I'm finding it to be true. Safari is Swahili for "journey." That is what this whole adventure is: A Journey. Not necessarily a journey to Africa, but a journey in faith. A faith safari. I have no idea how God is going to work this out, but I know He will. He has already started. My biggest concern for myself and the team is the finances. It will take $90,000 to get thirty of us there and back. It will take another $25,000 to put a roof on the orphanage, buy every child a bed, bedding, and a teddy bear, and to bring gifts for the missionaries. I am so glad we serve a big God!
Here is a map of where Lesotho is. It is a small country completely surrounded by South Africa.


This is the orphanage we will be completing. We are hoping to construct a roof for them.




Currently there are 22 kids in this orphanage. They sleep 4 to a bed such as this. I've never had to share a room (except a dorm room), and I most definitely would not want to share a bed with three others.
My heart goes out to these children. They have nothing, but hope. I know this trip is going to change my life. I can't imagine not having food or clean water. Children will drink beer because it is cheaper than decent drinking water. That just is unfathomable for me.

Specific Prayer Request:
- Pray for TEAM Africa. The devil does not want us going, and that is already showing. Pray for us as we prepare and for our safety while we are there.
- Pray for me, Jillian, as I start my senior year of college next week. I'm taking 21 credits (19 is considered a full load), working 25 hours, and trying to fundraise to go Lesotho.
- Pray for our missionary leaders, Jason and Connie. They've lived in Lesotho but never led a team there. They are full time missionaries and are trying to raise enough money for their entire family to go on this trip.

~ Jillian