Prayers for Mali

 

First the horrific violence in Paris last week, now this attack in Mali. All of this has me praying for safety, for peace, and for those whose lives are shattered in an instant. I am so thankful we have others who are wiling to rush in and provide aide, assitance, and protection. Withouth brave men and women like them things would be even worse.

 

Mali holds a special place in my heart after visiting a few years ago for a mission trip. I am actually scheduled to return this January as the leader of a mission team that will head into the villages and innoculate their animals so they are free of parasites and disease while we also interact with the youth and families of these villages. Hopefully things will be safer by then, but in the meantime I will be praying for the missionaries and others in Mali for comfort and a sense of peace during this very scary time.

The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my savior; thou saved me from violence. I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies. 2 Samuel 22:3-4

Missionary Trunk Show Thursday

 

 

 

Mission work is near and dear to my heart. I love serving God through these missions, expanding my views, and really opening my eyes to how different cultures are from my own. This is my second year of hosting a trunk show and I have a full house of goodies that I am so excited to share with you. All proceeds from this show go to support the Sutton's in Guatemala, the McCabe's in Mali, and my upcoming trip to Mali in January. Lots and lots of unique items from Guatemala, Mali, and even a few handmade items from my talented mother. Perfect Christmas gifts. Please stop by this Thursday anytime from 6-9 if you can.

 

 



Guatemala Trunk Show

"I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to join you" John 14:18

 

"And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward." Mathew 10:42

 

Last night I hosted a trunk show at my house with all kinds of goodies from Guatemala. Purses handmade by the girls at the orphanage to help them pay for college, pine needle baskets made by local widows, tortilla towels, gorgeous overnight bags, delicious coffee, and more.

We raised over $800! I am so excited that we were able to raise this money for the Hogar de Vida orphanage in Guatemala. I visited in July of 2013 and fell in love with several of the kids. Breaks my heart to think of what life they would be living if this orphanage wasn't there to provide them a safe, nurturing, Christian environment.

 

I have a handful of things left to sell. We have a few purses, tablecloths, and one large over night bag. If you're interested I can send you pictures of the remaining items. Based on the success I have decided this will become a yearly event and start hosting once a year to help raise awareness and funds for this orphanage and the amazing missionaries there - Vickie and Norm Sutton. For more information about the orphanage or how to donate directly click here.

"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" 2 Corinthians 9:7

Wednesday Scripture

"In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive."  Acts 20:35

These photos are all from my mission trip to Mali in February as every post needs pictures I feel. Plus this is a reminder that I really need to take time to post photos and talk about the mission, it was without a doubt my favorite one to date.

I Used to Have a Blog

 

 

And then I ran for reelection to City Council and neglected this fun little space. I quit posting pictures of my everyday adventures and my fun vacations. No time like the present to start playing catch up right? I will warn you there are a whole lot of vacation, mission trip, and other photos to be shared.

 

To start with are a few snaps of our first day vaccinating cattle in Mali as part of a mission trip. This was by far our easiest day as the only day we had a chute to work with, the rest of the days were more or less a rodeo. Somehow  those rodeos days were more fun as we were in the midst of villages.

Africa has stolen my heart and I for sure will be back.

Paris in Less than a Day

 

 

 

 

No clue why I haven't blogged in months - I for sure miss blogging. Miss being creative and taking pictures. I have two amazing trips (one family vacation the other a mission trip) and hundreds of photos to accompany said trips.

I'm starting with the easiest which was a very very short trip to Paris. On our way to Mali we had an 8 hour layover in Paris so our team decided to venture out to the Eiffel tower.

It was a very very foggy day as you can see but to me it was etheral and pretty. The fog lending an air of mystery to the Eiffel tower and Paris.

Loved climbing in the tower for the first time (I've visted before but we never actually climbed the tower) and getting a birds eye view of Paris.

 

All the arhitecture and beauty always captures my heart. The extra details on each building make it stand out. Can't wait to go back again soon, hopefully in Spring or Summer when everything is in bloom and full of color with sunny skies.

My mom and I are way overdue for a London/Paris and small surrounding countryside visit without a doubt.

Spaghetti Fundraiser for Mission Trip to Mali

I am still alive I have just been an awful awful blogger! I have LOTS of fun pictures to share from our family trip last week to Vieques PR and a festive holiday home that needs photographed. Until then I wanted to share about a VERY exciting upcoming adventure.

This January I am heading to Mali with a small group from Christ Community Church. We will be vaccinating animals in the local village and at the same time acting as missionaries of God. I can't wait for this experience and to share the love of Jesus with others. To help raise the funds needed ($2,900.) there will be a Spaghetti dinner Thursday, December 19th from 500-800 pm at Barley's in Council Bluffs. The cost is $10 per person and you get salad, bread sticks, pasta and your choice of meat and sauces. Hope to see many of you there.



Not from Mali but from a recent mission trip to Guatemala



If you are unable to attend but would like to donate you may send a donation to Christ Community Church, 404 S 108th Ave , Omaha, NE 68154. Please write Melissa Head - Mali in the subject line. Or online at www.cccomaha.org/give Thanks in advance to everyone that supports me financially and spiritually with these trips!

Guatemala - the Market

Every Sunday the village has a huge outdoor market. We were lucky enough to get to go twice during our time in Guatemala. We would go first to do our shopping, then head back to the orphanage and grab all the kids to take them back to the market for goodies or treats.

I still have several sets of Guatemala pictures to share so figured no time like the present to try to catch up. These are from the local market in San Andres Sajcabaja. It was truly a local market and not touristy at all. I LOVED it for this reason.

Plus it felt great to know we were supporting the local economy and people of that village in a positive way. Shopping is always fun, but even more so when you are directly helping others. I wish I would have filled up an extra suitcase with goods to sell back here. Next time I just might as then could have a portion of the proceeds go to the missionaries and orphanage. Just such beautiful textiles and pottery.

Probably the best part of the market was taking the orphanage kids for treats, they had so much fun and were the most patient kids I know waiting for their turn. Amazing.

There were so many more photos I wanted to take and several times I wanted to break out the real camera not the Iphone but the missionaries had told us not to use our big cameras and to not be over the top with pictures as in these small villages it would feel like an invasion of privacy. Which makes total sense as I wouldn't want some stranger taking a bunch of pics of me either during my day to day tasks.