21 days and counting...

So I went and said yes to something really big. And at first I said no, and then I said no again. But Will reminded me about that verse about fear. You know, the one I so reluctantly claimed at the beginning of the year? The one I didn't want to take on for fear of what the Lord might do to teach my heart exactly what these words mean:

But now, this is what the Lord says

he who created you, O Jacob,

he who formed you, O Isreal: "fear not, for I have redeemed you;

I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

Isaiah 43:1

Yes, that one.

A little over a month ago, my sister and I sat alone in the late service because Will and the girlies were home sick. It was the end of the service and we were singing (and I can't even remember now what song exactly), but an incredible peace came over me and I felt like the Lord was confirming that I would be going to Nicaragua in March.

Um..I'm sorry, what?? Where in all the world did THAT come from?

I had no desire or plans to be going to Nicaragua in March.

At all.

In fact I think I remember stifling some sort of a nervous giggle because it was so far fetched of an idea.

I knew our church was taking a team down there to do medical missions and to dig a well, but that was the exent of my knowledge about the trip.

It really was quite surreal and honestly, a little spooky. I didn't even bother telling Will about it when I got home because #1) if the Lord really had that in store for me then I knew He would make that clear and take care of all of the details without any assistance on my part and #2) because I was fearful that if I told Will about it, he would actually push me to go and I was about 90% sure that I did not want to go!

So imagine my delight when I was approached a few days later by a precious friend in my small group who wanted to know if I would be interested in helping her make skirts for the team to hand out to the girls in Nicaragua.

Ah ha Lord! I thought. That's what you meant! I'm suppose to be helping with the skirts, not actually going on the trip!

Whew! What a RELIEF!

About an hour later, we returned home and Will stopped by to grab something he needed for a meeting. As he is walking back out the door he casually mentions how he had lunch with a friend from church who was part of the team who went to Nicaragua last year and how much it would help if they had more people going who could speak Spanish. And then he says, I think you should consider going, or at least try to help out with the Spanish classes they are offering to prep the team going down there.

And there it was.

No, no, nooooooooooooooo!

Lord, do you realize what you are asking? What if I leave the country and they don't let me back in? I have a 4 and 2 year old!

Fear not...

I'm no where near anything close to being fluent. What if I get down there and can't do it?

Fear not...

What if my roommate snores and I get an intestinal parasite and am miserable the entire time I'm there?

Fear not...

Ugh really? How can I argue with something that He gave the answer to before He even asked the question?

See, I knew this year was going to be interesting to say the least!

So now, a month later, my plane ticket has been purchased and I find myself making preparations to leave the girls and Will to travel to another country at the end of March.

eek!

Now you may be wondering what all of these little dollies have to do with this impending excursion?

:)

Instead of sending out the traditional fundraising letter to family and friends to raise money for the trip, I'm going to let those who are interested in supporting me, sponsor a doll for me to take to Nicaragua to give the little girls down there!!

I know, how much fun, right?? I'm excited now. Really, really excited.

:) :) :)

Anna Cate and Caroline are excited too. They having been helping me with the dolls and will ask me for each one, "Mama, can I keep this one or is this for a little girl in Nicargawgaca?"

Here are the details:

:: $20 sponsors one doll.

::There are five different styles of dolls to choose from and YOU get to pick your favorite for me to make to take with me!

::These little girls in Nicaragua do not have much so it will be a very very big deal to get such an unexpected gift.

:: I'm using a little darker fabric for their skin and dark brown hair so they are custom made especially to look like the girls who will be getting them.

:: I will take lots and lots and lots of pictures so you'll get to *hopefully* see some sweet smiling faces that you helped to create!

So who's in?

:)

If you are interested, please visit www.rosieposiedolls.bigcartel.com to sponsor a doll.

You can purchase directly from the shop with a credit card or Paypal account OR you can just let me know in person which one you want to sponsor.

A great big THANK YOU to all of you who help bring these sweet friends to some precious little girls in Nicaragua! I can't wait to show you pictures...and soon, did I mention we only have 21 days until I leave???