Kim Wilbanks

I am going to Africa today.  These are words that I never imagined myself saying, but it’s true.  In a few short hours I will be on a jet heading to Newark then Brussels then Entebbe, Uganda.  We are traveling with a team from Orphan’s Heart to share some Christmas cheer with children at an orphanage and Ugandans in the area surrounding the orphanage.

As you could imagine, I am experiencing a myriad of emotions, excitement, anticipation, curiosity, anxiety and maybe even a little fear.  There are a dozen “what ifs” camped out at the doorstep of my mind but I’m not letting those guys in.  Instead, I will welcome the ones that say

What if you experience the presence of God like never before?

What if friendships are knitted together even more tightly?

What if you come home with a changed heart and a pair of God eyes?

I could not have gone on this trip 10 years ago.  In 2005, my December calendar was filled with parades, band concerts, chorus concerts, cotillion Christmas parties, Christmas shopping, cookie baking and all sorts of family get togethers.

Five years ago, I would have been frantically getting the house ready to welcome home my two college students.

This year is different.  The calendar is pretty much clear until Christmas Eve.  A perfect time for me and my husband to stretch our boundaries.  I have a feeling this is going to be a December we will always remember.

Yahweh himself is who goes before you.  He will be with you.  He will not fail you nor forsake you.  Don’t be afraid.  Don’t be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8