READY FOR TAKE OFF

Sunday morning

I can't believe that in less than 24 hours all my bags will be checked and I will be waiting to board the plane to South Africa. Total flight time will be about 25 hours plus layovers. I am so excited I can't sleep. My mind is racing. I keep thinking of what I am bringing. What food I am going to pack. Did I bring gifts for everyone I wanted? Do I have the things that Sindee Savage wanted me to bring? Do we need to call the Temple and make a reservation? 

When I decided to go to Johannesburg I decided that I wanted to do more than just go visit people. I wanted to spend some time in Orange Farm with the church members. Spending time in Orange Farm was the highlight of my mission but I never felt like I had enough time there. When church was over everyone was tired and ready to go back to Joburg. So when I knew I was going back the first thing I wanted to do was make arrangements to spend two weekends in Orange Farm. I called President Nyama and he said that I could stay with his family. He and I began to make preparations for the Sisters and I to take a Temple trip the second Saturday I will be there. I am bringing a mini tape recorder and hope to be able to record some of the members conversion stories. 

The second thing I wanted to do was go to Tembisa and visit Mama and the tots.

One day while talking to President Nyama on Facebook I asked him what I could bring. He suggested school kits. So I began collecting items for school supplies and asked my Facebook friends if anyone was interested in sewing school kits.

 A month or so later, I have 67 hand sewn school bags, 7 backpacks, and 15 misc bags along with 91 total school kits.

I have been moved by the generosity of so many who were more than willing to donate their time, and energy to make this project successful. In addition to taking school bags to Orange Farm, I decided that I wanted to purchase some staples for Mama and the tots. So when people asked if they could donate money for this project, I suggested they donate towards Mama's center for children in crisis. $150.00 was donated to purchase supplies for Mama, and about $35.00 was used to purchase a few extra things I needed for the school kits. 

I am so grateful for the many Angels who reached out to assist me with this project. I know that your lives are busy and yet you found time to serve. Thank you, my friends and sisters. 

I am excited to see the faces of the students and teachers as they open these special gifts from you, my friends. 

Come Away With Me