A couple of months ago, the pastor at our church started talking about a "World Changers" movement that we were going to pursue as a church. He talked about there being many ways that we as individuals can change this world, including financial support and donations as well as hands on help and volunteer work. He also talked about a couple of International Missions Trips that were going to be possible over the next several months. I have to tell you, I felt such an excitement immediately before even knowing where the trips would be to, and when!
Ever since travelling to China to adopt the girls, and then Jonathan and I going on our own little "missions trip" to an orphanage in China I have been drawn to "Hands On" missions. It is what hits me deep in the pit of my stomach emotionally when I think of it. I have prayed to GOD to "break my heart for what breaks yours", and it is in this area when I feel that pain. I cry for the people that don't have the help as readily available to them as what we do here in America. The adults and children that are suffering medically and have little to nothing, and probably feel hopeless at times. The people across the world who are putting their lives at risk when accepting GOD as their savior, but ask him to lead their lives anyway because they know their lives aren't complete without him. If I can touch the lives of any of these people in any way, and give them just a touch of hope I want to do that. I want to do what GOD would do if he were here physically. I want to literally be his hands and feet!
I have been give the opportunity to go with a group from our church to India, on a medical team! To be able to use the clinical nursing skills that GOD has blessed me with in combination with my passion for missions.... It is an amazing thing :) I haven't met our group yet, but I've been told that our focus will be optometry, ophthalmology, and dentistry. I am so excited about the eye part especially. We will have the resources to provided treatments for adults and children with vision impairments and even perform eye surgeries if needed. After seeing the difference in Jasmine after her corneal transplant, I am thrilled to be able to help others to see better as well. Did I mention that I am a little excited about this trip?!
Our trip is September 11th-21st. There is a Women's Teaching Team that is going with us as well, but will spend most of the trip in a separate part of India. They have already started their training, and we should be meeting as a medical group soon to start our training too.
I have a couple of exciting (In my opinion, lol) fundraisers that I am planning, and will appreciate any help anyone can give. Money is going to be tight since it is only a little over 2 months away which is not much time to come up with it. I'll be adding info about my fundraisers shortly! I have placed a "Donate Now" button on this web page if anyone feels called to help me out!
So excited! :)
~Tammy
