Regardless, I never sang that song.
And I'm going to Africa.
Eleven high school juniors and seniors are going with the youth pastor, an elder at our church and myself to Musana Children's Home. It's not an orphanage. It's a school. It's a safe place for kids. It's training grounds for the next generation of Ugandan citizens. And it's goal is to be self-sustainable by it's farm and cafe.
The students that are going are incredible. Here's a little bit of who they are:
I've had the privilege of leading middle school students with Ana for the last 2 years. She's has a contagious spirit. Our students run up to me excitedly and then say, "Hey! Where's Ana!?!" She's wise beyond her years and a natural at caring for the people around her well.
Last year, Drew asked me to write something for him for a college application. it was one of the easiest things I've ever had to write. Drew leads 8th grade guys - the age where you can see the most diverse size difference at the same age. It doesn't matter to Drew if a student is the last place at the math championship or the star quarterback. He takes time to listen to every kid and really everyone like they matter. Because they do.
Erika is one of the most soft-spoken members of our team. Because of that, when she speaks, people listen. She asks good questions and listens well to the answer. I've had the privilege of watching her lead 6th grade girls. She listens. And she works to know their names because it's important.
I've only known Haley for a few weeks, but what I've seen already in her is her ability to see people for what they are hurting about. She's got a soft spirit and wants to help in any way possible. She feels with you and laughs easily.
Kate has the most energy of anyone I've ever met. She's passionate about caring for her friends, her students, and following hard after Jesus. I've never met someone who's so willing to ask for and then listen to advice. She's the organizer who sees something that needs to get done and finishes it well.
A few years ago I called Kelsea the wrong name. Apparently this happens often and she was gracious enough not to call me out on it. She is one of the strongest and most courageous people I know. She stands unafraid for what she believes in and puts aside what she's going through and feeling to put other people first.
If I could go back and be anyone in high school, I think it would be Joy. She doesn't take herself too seriously. She's good at everything I've ever seen her try. And she's got wisdom about things that I'm just learning. Joy is comfortable in her own skin and knows who she is. Something I wish I had known earlier - and knew better, even now.
I only met Sam a few weeks ago as well, but despite being an excellent basketball player (and probably other things, but again, I just met him) he is humble. He doesn't have to be the center of attention, but lets other people take the lead and supports them well.
At Max's interview, he came in as an alter ego of his and was able to act out a completely separate character for a full half hour interview without even breaking a sweat. He can add humor to anything and has a gift to make people laugh.
Brave. That's the best word I can think of to describe Maddy. She just underwent her second heart surgery and recovered faster than any of the doctors could have predicted. She's found a balance that I think very few people get - knowing when to be strong, and when she needs to ask for help. She's one of the most courageous women I know and her three younger sisters love and look up to her.
Trent does the high jump - in track and in life. I say that because whenever you see the high jump, the jumper is throwing everything they have backwards over a bar. You don't half-do a high jump. You're all in. Everything I've ever seen Trent do, he's all in. Sports, school leadership or leading middle school students - he throws himself at whatever it is and goes for it.
The cost, as you can imagine, is fairly high for a student (and the leaders) to go to Africa. If you want to donate to any of these students (or to those of us who are going as leaders), you can do so here.
Can I also ask you, straight up, just to do something right now?
Would you pray for us?
As we prepare and learn as much as we can about the culture and work at Musana.
As we go that we have safe flights across the world.
As we are there, building relationships and being a help to those who are doing work there already, and not a burden.
As we come back, that every one of us would carry what we learned from Musana and the Ugandans that we meet.
Thanks. We'll keep you updated and bring back pictures, memories, and stories.
