Hope sent a team off to Sudan again today.

Dave and John Jefferson this time.

We raised over $25,000 last year and didn’t spend it all when the team went in September.

So basically they are going back to spend the rest.

Every last penny.

On food for people in and around the border region who are starving.

But also to bring them the Bread of Life.

To share Jesus.

Our only true Hope.

In a world that continues to fall short.

We’ve set up a 24-hour prayer chain and it brings great comfort to know that the trip will be prayed for around the clock.

If you’re part of this prayer chain or interested in praying, here are some initial requests:

* Health and Safety

* Endurance and Hydration (outside temps average 110 degrees)

* Wisdom and Favor over the Logistics of the food purchase and delivery

For more information, you can read the Hope 4 Sudan blog here.

You can also follow @Hope4Sudan on Instagram, @Hope4sudanblog on Twitter and/or “like” Hope, San Mateo on Facebook for updates and prayer requests throughout the trip.

I’m so thankful for a church family who loves people like Jesus does.

For a husband and pastor who loves people the way he tells other people to.

And for the body of Christ who loves our family as we stay behind.

Things are a little crazy up in here.

Ashlyn’s IEP (our annual meeting with the school district) was on Thursday and I’m still recovering.

They are quite stressful and not my favorite.

She’ll be mainstreamed into a first grade class at our local public school come September.

We are thrilled that she will stay on track and not be driving as a freshman.

And 5’9 in the fifth grade.

She’s a smart cookie.

And I’m so proud of how hard she works.

We know she will do great.

Even though she’ll probably have to lose the bunny ears.

We leave for a few days of camping tomorrow night.

Well, I’m lying.

It’s in a cabin.

With wi-fi.

In the woods though.

I like to pretend I’m a camper.

So right now.

Lots of loads of laundry.

And last-minute shopping.

And cooler and beach chair borrowing from neighbors.

And food and dessert prep.

Like this sour cream almond pound cake that is baking right this very second.

I’m making it for Hope’s Easter brunch tomorrow and Pintertesting it for Thursday.

The smell alone makes me want to give it rave reviews without even trying it.

Also, I’ve discovered that the Pintertest Kitchen linky party is way more fun when bribery is involved.

So Julie is giving away the cutest printable ever to one lucky linker.

Be sure to link up.

This Thursday.

One final note, if you don’t have a place to worship tomorrow, come to Hope!

10 am.  Sunnybrae Elementary.

It’s gonna be great.

10 (or maybe 13) photos taken on the 10th of the month.

What?  Sundays are full.

I struggle to find words here.

And quite honestly, I want to avoid them.

But doing so would rob God of glory.

And I’d rather not do that.

So I share my little story.

And I will be honest.

I’m very nervous.

I feel unqualified.

Many women have struggled far longer, some forever.

I don’t feel fit to share.

I’m not trying to make this my platform.

I’m not claiming to be an expert.

But I keep being brought back to God’s glory.

And my thankfulness.

And joy.

In answered prayers.

In lessons learned.

Rewind to November of 2010.

We learned we’d be adding a third little one to this house of crazy.

Shortly thereafter, we lost that baby.

I was surprised and sad.

But convinced God would give us another baby.

Quickly.

Because all our other pregnancies had happened that way.

But that wasn’t the case.

Months of waiting became years of waiting.

And this past fall, I had given up hope.

Convinced that God’s plan for us was to be a family of four.

And I was learning to be content in that.

But, really I wasn’t.

I wasn’t waiting well.

I was impatient.

And bratty.

Self-absorbed.

Jealous of pregnant friends.

Ugly.

But even though I wasn’t reflecting Jesus well,

I have never been closer to Him.

I’ve never prayed more.

Leaned more.

Relied more.

We had lots of chats, Jesus and I.

And this past Christmas, we learned of a great blessing.

In early September of this year, Lord-willing, we’ll welcome a new little baby into our home.

I am thrilled.

Overjoyed.

Thankful.

So very thankful.

For this precious new life.

But also for what I have learned while waiting.

Lean on Him always.

Not just in the valleys.

Don’t be a brat.

It’s ugly.

Rejoice with your friends.

Even when it’s hard.

And you’d rather poke their pregnant eyes out.

Be gracious to other women around you.

Not many knew of my struggle because I felt weak sharing.

And so many have more painful stories.

Be careful with your words, pregnant ladies.

Be careful with your complaints.

Many women would give anything to feel morning sickness.

Women that have struggled with miscarriage and infertility,

SHARE YOUR STORIES.

Please.

They are so powerful and give such hope.

See them as a gift.

Yes.

This new little baby is a HUGE gift.

But the waiting was more of one.

I pray Jesus never lets me forget that.

I don’t have much.

It’s abnormally cold.

And I’m doing laundry in the garage in a trench coat.

I’m really ready for sunshine and summer.

Lots going on around these parts.

Our carpet is being ripped up and the beautiful hardwood underneath that should have never been hidden is being refinished.

I cannot adequately express my elation over these interior design happenings.

We’re also having the Pergo in our kitchen replaced with tile.

10 x 20 camel colored in a sideways subway formation.

Dave is not so sure but I am joyous.

Kayla got purple glasses yesterday.

She can now “see her friends hair” which was clearly a crisis beforehand.

Ashlyn is reading.

Books about cats on mats.

With hats.

Exciting literature.

The church recently launched a few new small groups.

A women’s bi-weekly study and a once-a-month married group.

If you’re interested, “like” Hope’s Facebook Page for more details.

Dave is also scoping out a location for a mid-week service we’re hoping to start in the next few months.

Anyone have a spare warehouse they’re not using?

With heat?

That’d be great.

Thanks.

Happy weekend, friends.

Bundle up.

And GO Niners.

You guys.

Look.

 And you know?

I’m not surprised.

I am thrilled.

Thankful.

So very thankful.

But not surprised.

God is good.

And He provides.

 Jon P. and John J. left SFO on the 11th.

And met a team of two others.

The four men arrived safely in Sudan and will head up to the Yida refugee camp sometime today.

And then move up into the mountain region over the next few days.

Please pray.

For safety.

Clear passage.

That rains would stop and roads would be accessible.

Lack of injuries and sickness.

For those starving and sick.

For families that have been separated.

It is a desperate situation there.

For grace and chances to share about the Living Bread.

That God would continue to work miracles.

Thanks to all of you.

Those who donated.

Those who opened shops and gave away your proceeds.

Those who shared of the need and the story.

Those who prayed and continue to pray.

Starving people will receive food in the next few days because God used you.

And on behalf of our family and our church, we are grateful.

So grateful.

We’ve set up a daily 24 Hour Prayer Chain in 15 minute increments.

There are still a few open spots.

If you’re interested, please comment below and indicate a time of day preference.

And again, thank you.

It’s a privilege to serve Him with you.

To be the Church, together.

Many of you know Dave traveled to Africa in April.

I’ve been wanting to recap his trip.

But I’ve always felt it wasn’t really my story to tell.

And sometimes that’s the problem.

It’s not “our story” so we don’t talk about it.

We don’t feel the need or urgency to share it.

And sadly, it dies.

The story I tell today is not about Dave’s initial trip to Sudan.

But what he learned there and upon his return.

And about his plans to go back.

There is a devastating humanitarian crisis happening north of where he stayed.

Hundreds of thousands of people near the border region are starving to death.

Little children.

Babies.

Being forced, with their families, into the mountains during the rainy season.

Unable to make the trip to the refugee camps due to the weather.

Or weakness from lack of food.

Eating bugs and leaves to survive.

IF they survive.

Many are dying today.

Our church wants to help.

We’ll be sending a small team into this region to provide immediate hunger relief next month.

And our desire is to continue to send groups of individuals in the near future.

Below is the complete 411 from our church website.

Please take the time to read.

Hard, heavy stuff.

It’s not what you normally read here, on our family blog.

But when my girls read this post in ten years?

I want them to see that, as Christians,

we’re called to ACT.

To HELP.

And GO, even.

And I am so very thankful the Lord burdened their dad.

And that they will read about our little church as an example.

A church that not only loves it’s children.

But other children, too.

Bottom Line?

We have five weeks to raise $25,000.

And we need your help.

I’m asking that you click on the button below and donate.

Your donation is tax deductible and 100% of funds raised will go to Hope Church, directly for this effort.

I’m asking that you pray.

For the people of Sudan.

Pray for the safety of those going.

Specifically, for the logistics of this first mission.

It’s not an easy one.

I’m asking that you please share this story.

Via Facebook, Twitter or your individual blogs.

We’re not all called to go to Africa.

But we’re all called to do something.

Thank you, in advance, for the something you will do.

I’m humbled and privileged to even be able to ask.

In years past, it’s always been about us.

Dave and I.

Making plans.

Making reservations.

And scrambling to find the last available sitter.

This year was different.

An outpouring from our hearts that reflects Who we love and serve.

An emphasis placed on what matters.

During church service on Sunday we spent some time praying for these precious women.

Women who have seen their Valentine go to be with Jesus.

Far right is my grandmother.

After service, we visited a local nursing home.

Hope Kids passed out flowers and handmade Valentine’s.

And gave treats to the nursing staff.

Ashlyn wished ever single resident, asleep and awake:

“Happy Bahhh-lentine’s Day!”

KK diligently prepared Valentine’s for her classmates.

“Fun Dip for the girls because they are fun.”

“Nerds for the boys because, well, you know…”

I kind of hope she always thinks that way.

And stays little forever.

My friend hosted a party for the kids on Tuesday.

Shirt and cookie decorating.

Red and pink food and treats.

So sweet and thoughtful.

Thank you, Carrie!

This Valentine’s Day I was reminded that Christian love is about sacrifice.

We’ve been given so much.

We’ve no choice but to give back.

It’s not enough to have the right words.

Or perfect behavior.

But we must LOVE.

And care for God’s people.

In word AND deed.

I plead with Jesus on a daily basis for compassionate hearts in my children.

And I know they learn by watching me.

So I am continually challenged to live accordingly.

To find creative ways to show God’s love to God’s people.

On and around February 14th.

And other days, too.

If you missed church on Sunday, you missed some really good cupcakes.

These were the leftovers on Monday.

We ate them for breakfast.

You also missed some really big news.

For us, at least.

Dave was able to quit his job at CityTeam, Oakland.

To pastor Hope full-time.

We are so thankful for God’s provision through His people.

We are excited, humbled and anxiously anticipate all that the Lord is going to do.

As Dave has more time, energy and focus to place on our sweet church.

Super thankful to our church body for seeing a need.

And fulfilling it so generously.

We anxiously await this next season.

It is our privilege and joy to serve you.

It always has been.