Hey so kinda crazy story.... I set up this blog after I was told we didn't get blogsites through AIM since our trip is only 3 months. Well now they changed their minds and want us to use theirs SO I have to switch. I am sorry since I have this site on my prayer cards.
Please go visit
http://megancunningham.myadventures.org
Thank you!!!
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
A stirring in my spirit...
Lately I have really been searching. Not really a new thing I actully find it quite common among my age group and well even the American society. People are searching for a place to belong, a career, a family, but more importantly a purpose. What am I here for??
Any of you who have been around me in the last few months know that as much as I try to stay balance I am consumed by my trip to Africa. Last January I was looking into Mercy Ships. After an unfortunate bout with sea sickness that was out of the picture, but Africa remained. I began to pray for the people of Africa. I prayed for their hearts and their hurt and sadness and brokeness but I also prayed for joy and encouragement! As I prayed I became more and more drawn to go. As many of you know I looked into AIM and foudnt he trip I am going on.
SInce being accepted to go I have been reading all the blogs of past teams who have gone as well as ones there now and my heart has completely broken for the people of Swaziland! My heart aches for them. I go to sleep excited and anticipating being able to hold a child, show them someone cares and wants them here. Show them they are not forgotten. They are loved! They are beautiful! As I write with tears streaming down my face I am realizing that I can't remember ever being more excited to do something or be a part of something! God is already changing my heart.
I know I have shared with Mikeah and Shannon a little of how I have been praying. For about a month now I have had a stirring in my spirit. God is challenging and moving in me. I no longer desire the perfect pottery barn house with my Gap/Oldnavy clothed kids. I desire to follow Him wherever that leads me!
So what am I here for? I don't know what my career will be or who I will marry or where I will live, but does that even matter? In the large scheme of things isn't my purpose, this things that I try to find on my own, sitting right in front of my face. My purpose is in HIM! It is Love!
Any of you who have been around me in the last few months know that as much as I try to stay balance I am consumed by my trip to Africa. Last January I was looking into Mercy Ships. After an unfortunate bout with sea sickness that was out of the picture, but Africa remained. I began to pray for the people of Africa. I prayed for their hearts and their hurt and sadness and brokeness but I also prayed for joy and encouragement! As I prayed I became more and more drawn to go. As many of you know I looked into AIM and foudnt he trip I am going on.
SInce being accepted to go I have been reading all the blogs of past teams who have gone as well as ones there now and my heart has completely broken for the people of Swaziland! My heart aches for them. I go to sleep excited and anticipating being able to hold a child, show them someone cares and wants them here. Show them they are not forgotten. They are loved! They are beautiful! As I write with tears streaming down my face I am realizing that I can't remember ever being more excited to do something or be a part of something! God is already changing my heart.
I know I have shared with Mikeah and Shannon a little of how I have been praying. For about a month now I have had a stirring in my spirit. God is challenging and moving in me. I no longer desire the perfect pottery barn house with my Gap/Oldnavy clothed kids. I desire to follow Him wherever that leads me!
So what am I here for? I don't know what my career will be or who I will marry or where I will live, but does that even matter? In the large scheme of things isn't my purpose, this things that I try to find on my own, sitting right in front of my face. My purpose is in HIM! It is Love!
Carepoints
I found this video on the AIM Swaziland Base blog. This will be my main ministry on my trip. Check it.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Pictures!
So I just thought I would put up some pics that past AIM trips have taken in Swaziland... Thought you might like to get a look at where I will be going and what I will be doing. : )
GIRAFFE!!! I love this picture!
A look at the Swazi village.... Anyone who went to or has goen to Bolivia doesn't this remind you of it a littleor at least the outer communities? Crazy!
They all are parentless.... and this is how they sleep!!! I can't wait to hold and hug and nurture these sweet little kids...
Kids getting a meal at the Carepoint ministry. Carepoint will be one of the biggest ministries I will be a part of. It is a place where kids can come everyday and be guarenteed something to eat. Often it is their only meal. We get to love on the and just be with them. Some days we will have a VBS kind of thing planned for after they eat. Other times it might be a game of kickball where they just get to enjoy being kids! As I have read stories about this ministry my heart breaks for these beautiful children who have experienced so much pain at such a young age...
We get to love and laugh!!!
I cannot wait to hold these precious kids!
GIRAFFE!!! I love this picture!
A look at the Swazi village.... Anyone who went to or has goen to Bolivia doesn't this remind you of it a littleor at least the outer communities? Crazy!
They all are parentless.... and this is how they sleep!!! I can't wait to hold and hug and nurture these sweet little kids...
Kids getting a meal at the Carepoint ministry. Carepoint will be one of the biggest ministries I will be a part of. It is a place where kids can come everyday and be guarenteed something to eat. Often it is their only meal. We get to love on the and just be with them. Some days we will have a VBS kind of thing planned for after they eat. Other times it might be a game of kickball where they just get to enjoy being kids! As I have read stories about this ministry my heart breaks for these beautiful children who have experienced so much pain at such a young age...
We get to love and laugh!!!
I cannot wait to hold these precious kids!
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Yea baby!
So I am officially over half way on my support!!!
I have just been so blessed as I have seen God provide for this trip.... He is in it! Thank you for your prayers and support!
I have just been so blessed as I have seen God provide for this trip.... He is in it! Thank you for your prayers and support!
The Body of Christ
This weekend I learned something or more was reminded again of how great our Lord is. As I have been talking to people about my trip most are excited and many want to know more but the consistant comment is always how brave I am to go with a team I have never met before. 13 people all from different backgrounds from all over the US. But I have come to believe that yea I guess it might be brave but our one for sure thing in common is the love of our God. That commonality is huge and bonding!
Aaron Strumpel was in town this weekend and actually stayed at my house but as I went to his concert I was moved by his raw love for God and music. Later we went back to my house and a group of us just prayed and worship and had a great evening together and with our God. But the thing I am getting at is that it was natural to have him join us, to talk and sing with him. I have every faith that it comes from God--- that as the body of Christ we are able to encourage and enrich the lives of people we don't even know because we have a common love and purpose. What an amazing thing!!!
So am I scared to be going with 12 people I don't know to Africa for 3 months? No because I know God will work and bond us together in Him!!!
Aaron Strumpel was in town this weekend and actually stayed at my house but as I went to his concert I was moved by his raw love for God and music. Later we went back to my house and a group of us just prayed and worship and had a great evening together and with our God. But the thing I am getting at is that it was natural to have him join us, to talk and sing with him. I have every faith that it comes from God--- that as the body of Christ we are able to encourage and enrich the lives of people we don't even know because we have a common love and purpose. What an amazing thing!!!
So am I scared to be going with 12 people I don't know to Africa for 3 months? No because I know God will work and bond us together in Him!!!
Friday, October 26, 2007
Airport Anticipation
This morning with the full moon still out and shining beautifully I drove to the airport. My heart began to grow excited and my spirit lightened as I thought of how in just a few short months my parents will be driving to me to the airport instead of me taking them to the airport....
The airport has always been a place of emotions for me. Ever since I was a kid I loved going on the plane but one of my favorite parts was being in the airport. I have come to the conclusion that some of the best people watching happens in an airport. You get to watch as people say goodbye and hug their loved ones. Wishing them the best. This is good but I prefer the homecomings more. The excitement as people wait with signs and baloons and flowers. Or even try to keep busy the little ones who just cannot contain themselves as they wait for mommy or daddy or papa to come around the corner. Then the person is welcoming with big hugs, tears, joy and happiness.
I remember one time I was picking up my parents and it was late( close to midnight) and there was tons of people waiting but I chose to occupy myself by playing peekaboo with a footie - pajamad little boy... probably only two and obviously SO tired. All of the sudden when I was playing peekaboo I knew he was no longer looking at me but over my shoulder as his eyes lit up and he ran as fast as he could... I watched as he weaved through the mass of people to jump up and yell PAPA! An elderly man I can only assume was his grampa had the largest grin on his face as he swooped up his sweet little boy. See now that is why I like the airport.
I just finished reading the Shack not too long ago and this story of the little boy in his pajamas came alive in a new way as I began to make a connection. In The Shack, God is often referred to as Papa. So I think in a lot of ways that little boy in his pajamas is me. I am tired, easily distracted but there is not a moment that I don't forget that I will get to jump into my Papa's arms. So more than my anticipation for the airport... I anticipate a homecoming like no other where I get to jump into my Papa's arms!
The airport has always been a place of emotions for me. Ever since I was a kid I loved going on the plane but one of my favorite parts was being in the airport. I have come to the conclusion that some of the best people watching happens in an airport. You get to watch as people say goodbye and hug their loved ones. Wishing them the best. This is good but I prefer the homecomings more. The excitement as people wait with signs and baloons and flowers. Or even try to keep busy the little ones who just cannot contain themselves as they wait for mommy or daddy or papa to come around the corner. Then the person is welcoming with big hugs, tears, joy and happiness.
I remember one time I was picking up my parents and it was late( close to midnight) and there was tons of people waiting but I chose to occupy myself by playing peekaboo with a footie - pajamad little boy... probably only two and obviously SO tired. All of the sudden when I was playing peekaboo I knew he was no longer looking at me but over my shoulder as his eyes lit up and he ran as fast as he could... I watched as he weaved through the mass of people to jump up and yell PAPA! An elderly man I can only assume was his grampa had the largest grin on his face as he swooped up his sweet little boy. See now that is why I like the airport.
I just finished reading the Shack not too long ago and this story of the little boy in his pajamas came alive in a new way as I began to make a connection. In The Shack, God is often referred to as Papa. So I think in a lot of ways that little boy in his pajamas is me. I am tired, easily distracted but there is not a moment that I don't forget that I will get to jump into my Papa's arms. So more than my anticipation for the airport... I anticipate a homecoming like no other where I get to jump into my Papa's arms!
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
New development in the life of Megan
So I went to go to work today and oops I actually work tomorrow night. Well good thing cause I was actually able to talk to my boss about getting more hours. You see the manager who hired me back on at GAP actually quit before I started so he promised me 30 hours and I have only been getting about 15. Well so I thought I would see what is up and surprise he lied. So basically my boss told me I should try to find another job if I want more hours. So I am on the lookout for a new job so if any of you all know of a job let me know! : )
Also I have decided to no longer be an intern at the bakery. Reason being that I am just feeling really overwhelmed with everything I have going as I prepare for Africa and I am just exhausted! I don't want to leave for a missions trip already worn out. Not a good idea. Anywho... So I also don't agree with how it is being run. You see the bossman has fired a couple people because us unpaid interns are doing their jobs. Something is not right here... SO I am standing up for integrity!
As I look at the jumble that has all the sudden become my life. I am remaining confident that God is in this somehow and although I am unsure of alot right now. I am confident and at peace with my trip to Africa.
Also I have decided to no longer be an intern at the bakery. Reason being that I am just feeling really overwhelmed with everything I have going as I prepare for Africa and I am just exhausted! I don't want to leave for a missions trip already worn out. Not a good idea. Anywho... So I also don't agree with how it is being run. You see the bossman has fired a couple people because us unpaid interns are doing their jobs. Something is not right here... SO I am standing up for integrity!
As I look at the jumble that has all the sudden become my life. I am remaining confident that God is in this somehow and although I am unsure of alot right now. I am confident and at peace with my trip to Africa.
overwhelmed...
As I woke up today I was hit with a wave of being overwhelmed... what should I do today? I know what I could do but is that really what I want to do or will do today. When it comes to my trip there is always something I could do. I could email my team members and continue tobuild those relationships. I could work on thank you notes. I could finish up my prayer magnets. I could be sending out an update letter to my supporters. I could be thinking and writing down what I need to get before I go....
All of these things although enjoyable and productive... they are taking me away from the big picture I realized.
Yes they will all need to get done and need to be done but as Rick McKinley said this last Sunday at church. Those things are just "pixie dust" I need to be focusing more on truely knowing God.
Anywho... more later. Got to go have coffee with my mama! : )
All of these things although enjoyable and productive... they are taking me away from the big picture I realized.
Yes they will all need to get done and need to be done but as Rick McKinley said this last Sunday at church. Those things are just "pixie dust" I need to be focusing more on truely knowing God.
Anywho... more later. Got to go have coffee with my mama! : )
Thursday, October 18, 2007
My Team
So I have been able to meet most of my team members online through email or facebook. So some I know better than others...
Linda McFarlane is 19 and from Alaska. She is a nursing major.
Alex Reno is from Alaska as well. He is the worship leader at his church. Works at a Music shop and gives guitar lessons.
Leah Rose is 21 and from Kansas.
ErinTomchik is the baby of the group at 17( will turn 18 in Africa) and fromm Texas. She is graduating early to go on the trip. She graduates 4 days before we head out! Crazy!
Meagan Varner is 18 and from South Carolina. She was originally going on an FYM(9 month) trip to England but God brought her to us. She is excited for Swaziland!
Alexandria Williams is 21 and from California. She rededicated her life this last summer.
Danielle Williams is 19 and from Georgia. I have been able to email back and forth and have really been encouraged by her spirit.
Tiffany Wymer is 20 and from Tenessee
The following three just got added to the team today so I don't know anything beyond their names.
Daniel Martinez
Brianna Swihart
Lillian Cassidy
Amanda Hindes
Already I feel so connected to this group of people. We are going to be like family before this is all over I am sure! : )
Linda McFarlane is 19 and from Alaska. She is a nursing major.
Alex Reno is from Alaska as well. He is the worship leader at his church. Works at a Music shop and gives guitar lessons.
Leah Rose is 21 and from Kansas.
ErinTomchik is the baby of the group at 17( will turn 18 in Africa) and fromm Texas. She is graduating early to go on the trip. She graduates 4 days before we head out! Crazy!
Meagan Varner is 18 and from South Carolina. She was originally going on an FYM(9 month) trip to England but God brought her to us. She is excited for Swaziland!
Alexandria Williams is 21 and from California. She rededicated her life this last summer.
Danielle Williams is 19 and from Georgia. I have been able to email back and forth and have really been encouraged by her spirit.
Tiffany Wymer is 20 and from Tenessee
The following three just got added to the team today so I don't know anything beyond their names.
Daniel Martinez
Brianna Swihart
Lillian Cassidy
Amanda Hindes
Already I feel so connected to this group of people. We are going to be like family before this is all over I am sure! : )
My First Blog
It is just over three months until I leave for Africa and I am beginning to realize how real this is. I am going to AFRICA! I am so stoked! God has already begun to stretch and challenge me. I have already been humbled multiple times. He is teaching me that I can do nothing without Him and needs to truely trust Him in everything. Easier said than done.
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