Hey guys,

 So let me give you a little background like the rest of these girls before I explain the reason behind my passion for Africa… I was born in Roanoke, Virginia then moved to San Antonio, Texas then Lakeland, Florida then back to San Antonio, Texas again… Now my story on Africa starts about 6 years ago in 2006, I was 14 years old at this point and I had the unbelievable pleasure of being able to go to Uganda and Kenya, Africa with my family. The main purpose of this trip was a pastor’s convention my dad spoke at in one of the local in Mbale, Uganda (which ended up being a very sweet service filled with many of the locals as well as all the pastors that this meeting was originally for). While we were there, we were able to visit different orphanages nearby - I really wish I could paint you a picture of these children, they were well taken care of, but nonetheless, my heart broke for them. It was in one of these orphanages that I met a little boy who had been diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Those of you that know what this is, know that children diagnosed with this live out an extremely difficult life… I’ll admit I couldn’t help but later cry from seeing this sweet boy in pain and knowing that there was nothing I could do to help him….  This brief moment I had with him has impacted me on a level I cannot easily explain to you - (and as silly or crazy as this may sound) it is this moment that is a big reason as to why I am currently enrolled in Texas Woman’s University, where I am studying to become (God willing) a “Child Development major in preparation for a Doctor of Physical Therapy.” The first year after I graduate, it is my goal to work with “doctors without borders,” and help physically disabled children all over Africa… I realize that it will be too late to help that specific little boy I met, but it is not to late to help other physically disabled children in the future. Ever since that first trip to Africa, I have held a constant desire to return. God so sweetly answered my prayers (much quicker than I ever imaged), when I was introduced to Cayla Newkirk and realized that she was leading a group to Mombasa, Kenya July 31- August 16. When asked if I would be interested in going, I immediately said yes (looking back now, it probably would have been a good idea to run it by my parents first)… I felt like God blessed me yet again when I later learned that we will be able to help children in both a local school AND clinic there (I am hoping to get a little glance on what my future will be like when we go into this clinic)… While I will admit I still worry about expenses, I realize that if this is God’s plan, He will provide a way made for me to go… I am so excited to see everything God is going to do with our group, and feel extremely blessed for this opportunity. If you guys have any questions for me about my heart or purpose on this trip, send me an message through Facebook and I will give you my cell number and you can fire away with any questions…. If you haven’t been able to tell from what you have read so far… I AM SO EXCITED FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY!

God bless,

Rachel