47 days until....

It's happening.

It's happening.

It's happening.

MY DREAM IS COMING TRUE.
AFRICA!!!!! 

My dream has become a reality!!!! AHHHHHHH!!!!!! SO HAPPY! AHHHHHHH!!! I am going to Zambia for 5 weeks! I'm leaving on August 2nd, 2014 until September 7th to volunteer helping in child care in an orphanage with a nonprofit organization.

I went through a very difficult time early this year. Honestly, it feels weird at this point like it never even happened. At the same time, as difficult as the experience was, I am so grateful for God redirecting me in life - so incredibly grateful. He knows me way better than I knew myself and He was protecting me. As hard as it all was, I felt I needed to refocus: I did not want to lose out what made life beautiful! I remember thinking to myself, "Nusly, keep living your dream..." My dream? My dream, ever since I was a little girl is to see this world and experience what it had to offer. It never appealed to me to obtain wealth or material things: "I would rather own little & see the world, than own the world and see little of it." I did not want to "adorn myself with that which hath no life" (passage from the Book of Mormon - Mormon 8:39). I wanted to be "rich" from LIFE itself!

When I made the decision to go to Zambia, I had no idea how I was going to come up with the money for it, so I decided to put everything I owned up for sale. A little later on in March, I was reading in the New Testament in the book of Mark:

"Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?"
"...Jesus beholding him, loved him and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: come, take up the cross, and follow me." (Mark 10: 17, 21)


This and the verse from Mormon became my "theme scriptures". Sure, sad and unexpected things happen in life, but I did NOT want to dwell in myself. This life and God's plan is far greater than myself. I knew that I had a part in it and either I can go to work, make a difference...or I could just wallow in "why did this have to happen to me?". No, we don't all have to go to some place like Africa - but it was personally for me and the idea of it felt very peaceful within my heart. I knew at that point, I was going to be able to raise the money...still didn't know exactly how, but I knew God would provide a way.

And He did. I wish I could recount miracle after miracle after miracle that I have encountered the past couple of months.. this miracle alone: in just 2 months, I was able to raise $3,000 for my trip. All I can say is that God has a plan for you as He does for me. When He closes one door, He is opening another (more than one in my opinion!) and when you think God is rejecting you, realize that He is just redirecting you to something so much greater than you could ever imagine. C.S. Lewis once said: "There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind." Remember that you are not the one to define the blessings that come in your life. God defines blessings and true faith is not just loving Him, but trusting Him.

Thank you for your support and love everyone. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I feel like my heart is about to jump out of my chest... that's how strong the Spirit is. Have faith...have courage, things will work out. I will keep a blog about my adventure in Africa!

I could not have made it if it wasn't for the love and support from my family and friends! I want to personally thank the following:

Donations: the Hancock Family, Melissa Hively, Jill Wagstaff, Ian McClellan, Elizabeth Nielson, Justin Acquino, Debbie Ellebruch, Clara Goodwin, Zach Marrott, Leah Lott, Priya Ellwood, Tori Shipp, my DCFS family, Amber and Russell Barker, Andrew Bullock, Kelly Hyde, Ashley Porter, Hanna Meyers, Richie & Becky Webb, Billie Jo Henretty, Becky Castleton, Eldonna Koval, Abuela Argentina, Thomas Phillips - my dad :)

Buying my things: Amber Barker, JJ Safley, Micah Jones, Emily Park, Krystal Devey, Tammy Bishop, Charity Lander, Tori Shipp, Toni Shipp, Alyssa Willardson, Chad Richards, Kellie Kimber, Jordan Thomas, Rachel Cooper, Aubrie Lynn, Maggie Miracle, Stephanie Perez Rupp, Josh Sakamaki, Ryan McKinley, Kiersten Bushman, Amanda Farnworth, Chelsea Ashcraft, AJ Rupp, 

Buying a necklace or t-shirt: Aubrie Lyn, Danielle Esplin, Jordan Thomas, Tanner Moline, Rozie Pymm, Justin Acquino, Amy Schneck, Mallory Layton, Nick Benyo, Jessica Young, Travis Catt, Spencer Vance, Heather Horvath, Hanna Meyers, Jake Christensen, Elizabeth Nielson, Kelly Hyde, Tori Shipp, Rebekah Folkman, Mickaella Andrus, Beth Alston, Whitney Priestley, Troy Shipp, Calie Hong, Bailey Rigel, Rebekah Groneman, Lindsie Cohen, Sydney Richards, Michael Priestley, Megan Jane