Blessed to be a blessing!!

I can't help but believe that those words speak directly to me and so many others in the United States! We are blessed abundantly financially, in our health, relationships, families, etc. The list is long and filled with much to be joyous about. It is such a privilege to go out into the world to bless others. Yes, we should bless our neighbors and the people in our community. That's a given. Getting involved in community activities should be a priority for each of us. But sometimes, it's just not enough to stay home. From the first mission trip I went on with GROUP WORKCAMP,(thanks, Kirk!!!) I knew that God had created me to go out and help those who are in need. It was easy for me to do as I have summers off from my job at the high school. With each mission trip I went on, my spirits were lifted and I experienced true joy when I helped those who were less fortunate. My joy has increased exponentially as I have found myself venturing farther and farther to bless the poor. With this upcoming trip to Uganda, I pray that God will use me again to be a blessing. I have my bags stuffed with 100 pounds of "LOVE STUFF" for the many people we will meet along the way. I'm anxious to be the hands and feet of Jesus and just see what He has in store for me this time. I have some very specific goals but who knows if those goals will be met. I have a foam rubber sheet to help Antwon's family adapt the wheelchair that we bought him that is quite ill-fitting. Even if we aren't able to create this adaption 'on the spot', I will give instructions to the community facilitator who, hopefully, can assist the family with this task. Then he will be a blessing to Antwon's family!!!
I am so grateful to Scott Jamison for driving Dianne, Jessica and me to Chicago O'Hare Airport. It helps that he has a HUGE truck to get 3 additional people and 6 very large pieces of luggage in the back!!! Again, people from small group are much more than friends; they are family and each continue to be a blessing to me. I also can't thank my hubby John for all of his support for this trip. His financial donation for this trip has been substantial. All the little stuff purchased adds up to big money!! Thanks, honey!! Finally, I have a GRAND TOTAL of $1100 for medicines and other necessities for the people of Uganda!! This will certainly be a huge blessing for them!! Pray that God will provide the most needy people.
We have a very full itinerary planned and I hope to be able to write again once we have arrived in Kampala. As happened last year, the electricity sometimes goes off keeping us from journaling on our blogs. Hopefully, it won't be a problem this year.