I’ve always wanted to do a missions trip of some sort, but for whatever reason, it never happened. The timing was always wrong, I didn’t feel convicted enough, I was too scared, couldn’t afford it, insert excuse here _________.
A few months ago, I started feeling the nudge again. Africa. I started feeling a push, a voice, His voice, over and over.
Africa.
You know when you get to that point in your life where things are too comfortable? Too easy? Too good? That’s where I am right now. And I’m feeling a push, a voice, His voice, telling me to leave it all behind for a few weeks.
I see children that need to be loved. Babies that need to be held. Women that need to be encouraged.
There are, of course, children that need to be loved and babies that need to be held and women that need to be encouraged right here in my city. All over this city, actually.
But part of the journey involves leaving the comfort behind me. It involves being away from my warm house and my sweet baby and my pantry full of food and my endless running water. It involves a fresh perspective on life and a whole new appreciation for the daily blessings I too often take for granted.
Last night I was praying for a sign from God, which is something I rarely do. This morning I opened my Bible to Matthew 28 and read the great commission, writing it down in my prayer journal:
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
A few hours later I was in the car driving and turned the radio on. It was set to K-Love (Christian radio) and lo and behold—they began discussing Matthew 28 and the great commission.
And there it was.
Clear as day, the sign I had asked for.
Africa.
I’m going to Africa.
And I’m going to need your help. Details coming soon.
Oh this is so exciting! I am so, so happy for you and I can’t wait to read all about it!
Sarabell´s last [type] ..50 Nifty: Arizona
I cannot WAIT to hear all about it!
Claire´s last [type] ..Let’s Talk Downton Abbey – Season 3, Episode 2 (and a little Golden Globes thrown in)
this is quite the cliff hanger. i can’t wait to hear the details.
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Fantastic. I lived in East Africa for 3 years, but it all started with a summer volunteering 5 years ago. I think about it every day. You will, no matter where you go, have a fantastic experience and feel blessed
Amazing. Where did you volunteer at?
How exciting! Its so important to follow that still small voice when you hear it in your heart. I cannot wait to learn more!
Wow, how exciting! I am in awe of your faith, boldness, and trust in Jesus. You seriously inspire me to do bigger and better things for Him. Thank you for sharing what’s on your heart! I can’t wait to hear about your plans. Serving on a mission and helping families–particularly children + orphans–has been a lifelong dream of mine and I love that you’re acting on this nudge instead of simply putting it on the backburner. Have you read Love Does? Because you’re reminding me a lot of the author, Bob Goff right now (he is a man of action + love, too!).
Kiki´s last [type] ..currently…
Thanks Kiki. This comment meant so much to me. I haven’t read that book but I’m adding it to my reading list! Thanks for the suggestion, and for the support
Wow, this is big news! I would love to go to Africa someday. I can’t wait to hear all the details, this sounds momentous and powerful Ashlee!
michelle´s last [type] ..Currently…
Which country?
We’re going to Liberia, and we’ll be staying in Yekepa.
Cool. Thought it would be nearer my country (Kenya), you would have been more than welcome in my home. To say that some of your posts inspire me is an understatement.
Good luck!
I felt this urge two years ago, and then it popped up again again last year, and lo and behold, it has been nudging me for months now. I want to do something extraordinary in pediatric nursing in another country. Which country? I am not quite sure yet. But I figured now is the time, while I am single and childless. I feel empty without doing this. You have inspired me to actually do it. I just need to do some research on which organization to go through. Looking forward to hearing the details.
Stay blessed!
Michelle´s last [type] ..A Bartender’s Note…
Michelle, wow! You’re right, this is the time. It’s the time for me too, before we have more kids. My friend Lesley told me about an organization that travels to Uganda a few times a year to work in orphanages with homeless and refugee children. She knows two women who have done it and said it was an amazing, life-changing experience. Here’s their website: http://www.lovingonebyone.org/index.html
Keep me posted!
i’m going to get tarred and feathered for saying this, but you’d have a much greater impact on those babies that need to be held by writing a check and staying home. africa isn’t a desperate place because not enough americans spend three weeks in ethiopia doing good deeds. it’s a desperate place due to a lack of financial resources. there are already people over there encouraging women, holding babies, and loving children. or at least trying to. what’s really needed are resources and supplies: training programs, menstrual products, water pumps, etc. i know making a monetary donation won’t let you test that comfort zone you mentioned (and doesn’t allow one to post photos of themselves surrounded by cute african children), but a lot of really great things can be done in africa for the price of the plane ticket you’d need to buy to get yourself there.
Hi Christina. You’re not going to get tarred and feathered, not on my watch. I have heard that same sentiment before, that often these American missions trips do more damage than good, coming in with herds of people to blitz a quick fix. I’m going to Africa with one other person and together we will be working at Amani Liberia, a sewing and business-training project for women. Part of this trip will entail learning more about the program, the day-to-day, the women there, so that we can help convey their message and mission accurately online, which is what they use to bring in financial support. I will be posting more details about our trip later this week, so perhaps you could hold your judgment until you know what our plan is?
I have to be honest….as much as I appreciate your candidacy and feedback, I do not appreciate the comment about photos with cute african children. This is something I feel God is calling me to do. It’s not some publicity stunt, or something I’m doing for my blog. I hope to use my blog to tell the story of the trip, to bring awareness to Amani Liberia, and to perhaps inspire someone to pursue a missions trip that God might be calling them to do as well.
This is informative. Thank you for your honesty.
I can’t wait to read more. Hopefully I can help you out somehow. I know that nudge from the Holy Ghost all too well. Without going into detail there was something in my life for 5 years that shouldn’t have been there. I like to say the Holy Ghost started out by whispering at me, then telling me, then screaming at me, … and then I finally listened.
It was so painful at first, but seeing that sign from God and listening to the Holy Ghost was the best thing I could have ever done for myself. My life has never been better. I know this is the right decision for you. Exciting! 
Powerful stuff. Thanks for sharing that, Jo!
Oh Africa! Exciting! I’m heading out to Tanzania in a few months myself, seems like Africa is the buzz word of the moment. Good for you, hey. Can’t wait to hear how it all turns out!
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I just read your post about Amani Kids! Amazing! Love what you’re doing girl, looking forward to reading more about your adventure.
how exciting! i can’t wait to hear more about it and read about your experience.
it is such a brave thing to do i think, and i really admire you for going for it especially when you could have made a million excuses just to send a cheque.
Lottie´s last [type] ..snowflakes
SO exciting, Ashlee! Love this story and can’t wait to hear more details. I lived in China for two years and it all started with a small prayer like you prayed last night.
How exciting! I LOVE that continent!!!
I can’t wait to hear more
I spent three weeks in Africa in 2004 (Morocco) and it was a life changing experience.!
This is AMAZING! I am so excited for you, and to hear about your upcoming journey. I too know people who have gone and volunteered their time, and as others have posted it changes their lives and perspectives completely. I’m so glad you’re following your heart and listening to Him. Can’t wait to hear more details!
Thanks Christina!
I’m so excited for you! Doesn’t it feel so awesome to be able to do something you’re called to do? It always puts me in awe of what an awesome God we have when things work out like this.
Jackie´s last [type] ..around here lately
Definitely.
Ashley,
Yay!!! Congratulations! On being obedient, on being brave, on being chosen to go to Africa. I have been to places all over the world for missions trips and by far Africa was the most impactful and incredible place. It stole my heart!
As far as some opinions people might share with you, Jesus asked us to “go” and “do”. He didn’t go and provide the all the necessities to those that followed him. He didn’t travel around making sure people had everything that they needed for a more comfortable life. That is not His heart for missions. Are there tangible things that we can provide for those in need? Yes. Are there reputable organizations that we can go and serve with? Yes! But what they need more than tampons and informational brochures is to see and experience the love of God. THAT will change their lives. THAT will give them what they truly need in this world. Ha! In America where we are swimming in abundance and comfortable in self indulgence, you will be hard pressed to find someone to knows of their desperate need for a Savior. Yet, you will walk the hard packed dirt roads in Liberia and people will flock to you and be won over by the love of God they see in your eyes.
I am so excited for you and cannot wait to hear about your life-changing trip!
Thank you for this comment. Makes me feel so proud of Ashlee and also more willing to lose “mommy” for a couple of weeks
This made me tear up a bit. Thank you for taking the time to leave that comment and encourage me. I needed to hear that!
You know the little hints, nudges, messages, and gifts God leaves about for you to notice?
Thank you for this one.
For month or two, I’ve been praying about going or not going to Ethiopia in June. God has convinced me it’s “right” for me to go, but I was just talking to a friend about how I’m frustrated I still haven’t gotten the “go ahead” from my church.
Your post? Again, God telling me to make no mistake, and to leave my worries to him. His will be done. In a month, this will feel like nothing.
Thank you.
Thank you, Elizabeth. The thought of raising money for a trip like this is daunting, but I know God will provide for us if we are called to go. I’d love for you to keep me posted on your trip!
still waiting, waiting, waiting. I must be patient.
I’m sure it will be a very rewarding experience.
It is very brave of you to do it as well !!!
I only know the southern part of Africa, but it’s definitely a beautiful and very special continent.
Looking forward to read about your experiences there.