We normally don't keep our friends in a jar.

Meet my friends the Kuykendalls, Mark, Marla, Kylee, and Marcus. We normally don't keep them in a jar.

In 7 days, they will be boarding a plane for Ethiopia to meet their new daughter face to face for the very first time. (Oh, to smooch that beautiful face!) They will have to make two different trips to that country before they can have the joy of bringing her home to Tyler.

For the last couple of months, my children began collecting spare change in a mason jar that we lovingly referred to as the "Mark and Marla jar". They were not sure that if their collection of coins would even make a difference. I wasn't sure either. But then I realized that their spirit of sacrificial giving was just the beginning of perhaps a great realization of who God is in the world, and how He was going to use our family in the future. Raising global citizens, one penny at a time.

If you would like to donate to the Kuykendall's journey, please don't hesitate for one moment. A mover and shaker in the adoption world has generously created a fund raiser called "Recycle Love" to assist adoptive parents make their journeys. Click here to purchase some really cool Valentine's Day t-shirts for your family while helping out another one. Make sure to type KUYKENDALL when you order.

Trust

If you give me an assignment, or a task to complete, I'm your gal. I am all about crossing things off a list. Left to the great white unknown plain of possibility, I flounder.

In five weeks, I am going on an adventure like I've never had before. I am headed to the great, mysterious continent of Africa to see what the Lord would have me DO to serve Him. Last night, as our small team met to discuss plans and pray, I left without the one thing that would make me feel secure. My list. There was no talk of an itinerary, no mention of a schedule, no whisper of ANY plans. My heart was racing to say the least. How will I know how to prepare? More importantly, how will I know what to pack?

I am positive that this is the beginning of an adventure of trust. Faithfully seeking Him as fresh manna to feed me every morning. He will go before me and make my plans straight. He will equip me for every good work. HE WILL. I can do nothing for Him. I will show up every day, committing this trip and our fellow believers in Christ half-way around the world to prayer. I don't need a list to do that.