#steppingoutinfaith

As most of you know, this past fall I mad a dramatic life change. I quit my job, sold my house, and moved back to Ohio. I realized that I was no longer happy and when I asked God what He had next for me, Ohio was the clear answer. Well, maybe not always clear lol, but definitely right! 

As I began that moving process, I started to ask myself what would make me happy. While there are many answers to that question, one thing was for sure, I wanted my life to be more on the creative side. I had lost that and I missed it. I began working more on learning graphic design and photography and I started praying about ways to use my skills. While I would love to incorporate my creative skills to a paying job, I also knew that I wanted to find an organization to work with to donate my time. 

Enter Simone’s Kids. 

I first met Simone’s Kids a few years back through Sarah & Johnny Thomas. I got to meet Simone and hear first hand all that her organization is doing in Nakaseke, Uganda. Last summer, Sarah and her son, Will, traveled to Nakaseke and from their experiences, I fell even more in love with Simone’s Kids. 

This past fall, Sarah connected me with Simone and in no time I was apart of their marketing team. I haven’t been working with them long but I have loved every second of it! Our team is amazing and the more I learn about Simone’s Kids, the more I know this was the perfect match! 

A few weeks ago, they posted on their Instagram about needing a photographer to join their summer trip. I knew this was my chance! I have been feeling nudged by God to go on another missions trip and what better way than to go with an organization I am falling in love with! I filled out the application and a soon found out I would be going! 

The trip is 10 days long in June. We will be spending time with all the students at God’s Hope school and I will get a chance to photograph life there. Hopefully, giving better insight to the world as to what life is like in Uganda, and how Simone’s Kids is helping! 

Here’s my question for you. Will you join me? 

Join me in getting to know Simone’s Kids! Their website has tons of information! They are also on social media, @simoneskids 

Join me in supporting this organization. Their child sponsorship program has several options! 

Join me in prayer. Prayer that my skills will be put to good use while I’m there. Prayer that I can soak in all that God has for me. Prayer for the school, students, teachers and staff that are a part of Simone’s Kids. 

Join me on this journey. I will do my best to keep this blog updated as the trip gets closer and hopefully while i’m over there. 

And finally...

Join me financially. 

Yes, there it is! The Big Ask! Honestly, this is the part that I have the hardest time with. It’s absolutely the reason that I haven’t gone on a trip in 16 years. But, I also know God has given me an incredible community, HE desires for us to support each other, AND He desires for me to step out in faith and trust HIM in ALL things <- Not easy for someone who likes to handle and control all the details :( 

The total cost of the trip will come in around $3,000. My goal is to raise $1,500. Several years ago I attempted another trip that never happened. Because some amazing friends and family donated for that trip, I already have a head start on my fundraising. I promised them I would one day use the money to serve and I’m excited the opportunity is finally here! 

There will be several options for giving, one of which will be tax-deductible. I will share more about that in my next post as I don’t have all the information together for the tax-deductible donations. I should have that info tomorrow and will give you more information then!