My Soul Thirsts For Uganda

Photo courtesy of Soul Thirst Africa

I’m still in shock that I'm going on my first mission trip this summer.  My first time to leave the US with a Passport...My first time to have to prepare for a trip with immunizations...My first time to be away from my husband and boys (and dogs) for ten days.  I’m going with a group from SoulThirst Church, whose leaders (including my brother, Bill) have been to Uganda numerous times before.  We will be going to various villages where the church’s non-profit partner, SoulThirst Africa, has installed clean water wells for villagers who previously had no clean water.  SoulThirst Africa was created to provide clean water as the first step to a new life for impoverished people in Uganda and Kenya.  After our other church leaders went, I began praying for the Lord to make a way to make it possible for me to go. On previous trips there, the women of the villages that were visited specifically requested more women to visit and so this trip is planned for us. At this time, we have about ten women committed to going, including my mother, Sharon!  We will be forming lifelong friendships, entering into their daily lives, playing with their children, and holding their babies while giving and receiving encouragement from one another.  Words are difficult to form to express how excited I am to travel to Uganda, meet the people God loves & cherishes, and see the wonderful way He has provided clean water to support them.  It is an experience that I am so looking forward to and will surely never forget!
 

Photo courtesy of Soul Thirst Africa

As part of this mission, I’ve been asked to reach out to my friends and family to ask for support.  First of all, I need your prayers.  Although it is safe to travel to Uganda, I will see and experience things that will at times overwhelm me.  Knowing that you are praying for me and the others who are going will be a great source of encouragement and strength.   I've already begun the preparation of this ten day journey by having my first round of shots, giving up Dr. Pepper (no joke...that was tough!), and now scaling back on coffee with lots of sweet creamer.  My family really needs the prayers as I give this up! :)

Second, as a member of the mission team, I’ve been asked to raise funds through friends and family in order to involve as many people as possible in my journey. My fundraising goal is $3000 and it is needed quickly to purchase airfare, pay for travel expenses, food, & lodging.  Please consider partnering with me on this journey and helping with a donation. To donate to my trip, visit the donation link on the SoulThirstAfrica.org website, and type "Kimberly Baker" in the traveler name box next to your donation for the Uganda Trip. All donations are tax deductible. Checks may also be made payable to SoulThirst Africa and mailed to 140 South Heartz Road, Coppell, TX 75019.  As an expression of gratitude for your donation of $100 or more, I would love to make a set of notepads for you. You can choose a custom set here on my Etsy website: www.themadpadder.etsy.com. 

Photo courtesy of Soul Thirst Africa

 
I'm taking my fancy camera and plan to share lots of photos of the journey.  When I get home from Uganda, I'll have lots of stories and photos to show here on the blog and in person.  I’ve jealously listened to my brother, our pastor, and many in our church share what they have seen firsthand and how a trip like this has significantly changed them.  It will be absolutely incredible to see what the Lord does through this trip, so thank you for your prayers!  Thank you also for any donation you’re able to provide.  See more information and photos of previous trips, as well as a video with my brother, Bill, sharing all that God is doing through Soul Thirst Africa at www.soulthirstafrica.org.