Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Packing and Prayers

How long does it take you to use a stick of deodorant? What about a bottle of shampoo? Your favorite lotion? If you're going on the mission field any time soon, I suggest you start a nice spread sheet now. 


I'm leaving Friday, January 2nd, and I would appreciate your prayers. Here is how you can pray for me...


  • Good health.  The stomach bug has visited our family, and that's no fun. 
  • Safe and smooth travels.  I have a short connection in Houston.
  • Last minute details and packing to all get done with minimal stress.
  • Saying goodbyes to family and friends. (And for the people left behind.)
  • Smooth transition into life and teaching in Ethiopia.



Anybody want to come help??
And yes, WinShape friends, that is a token in my suitcase.


December

I've fallen behind on updating my blog, but I sure have enjoyed celebrating the Christmas season with my family. Take a look at some of my December adventures. 

I took a quick trip to Athens, GA to visit dear friends. #campfriendsarebestfriends

One of my favorite Huntsville Christmas Traditions.
Live Nativity in Downtown Huntsville.

And a beautiful walk through downtown. 

This semester, I had the opportunity to work with the Student Ministry at church.
It was a pleasure to serve alongside these people.
Tacky Sweater Christmas Party 2014

Day trip to Nashville to see this dear friend from college say "I do."
It was a nice reUNION. 

My favorite type of Christmas dinner!

Christmas at home.

Christmas Selfie

Every family has two sides, so another Christmas selfie.

Learning to cut the brisket. Poppa approves. 

Sweet TN visits from one of my roomies from college. 

Nana and Poppa

Don't mess with me. I can cut branches off trees. 

Breakfast with this dearie!

Cousins came to town for a night.
Family picture outtakes. 

Quick vacation to Nashville with my family.

Opryland Hotel

Opryland Hotel

Opryland Hotel

Just running into famous [and tall] people. 

Marmee

What a special time to spend with family and friends.  Now it's time to put the final touches on packing. Ethiopia bound on Friday.


Monday, December 8, 2014

One BIG thank you!

THANK YOU for purchasing t-shirts!



Nerd Bird Creative in Memphis did a fantastic job printing the shirts, and my dear friend, Katie Staples, did an excellent job with the design! Greg is a pastor by day and a creative nerd bird for fun. Katie is a (almost) graduate of Georgia Tech with a beautiful heart for ministry. What a blessing it is to have people use their gifts and talents to support my ministry. 



With your support, I was able to raise over $3,000 from the donations.  That covered over 40% of my one time start up fees.  What a blessing! Please remember to pray for my ministry in Ethiopia whenever you wear your shirt. 

I love all the selfies!

Keep sending me pictures! Love it!
I am only 8% away from my final goal.  Would you consider helping me get to the finish line?

laurakay.richardson@sim.org

Sunday, November 30, 2014

The final stretch...

If this was a race, the finish line would be in sight.  It's time for the final sprint. It's time to give it all you've got.

Well, the end is near. Or maybe the beginning. Depends on how you look at it. 

When I decided to return to Ethiopia with SIM, I knew the Lord was calling me to step out of my comfort zone.  I had such a sense of peace.  I just knew that He would provide, and I knew He would provide in His perfect timing. 

I set a goal to raise all of my financial support and prayer warriors in 50 days.  I have two weeks left.  The end is near. It's time to sprint. 

Monthly budget needs

I only need 12% of my monthly support before I leave in January.

Ministry launch funds

The Lord has provided all of my one time needs! Any more one time gifts will now overflow into my monthly support.

All of this would not be possible without people who have a heart for spreading the love of Jesus to the ends of the earth.  Thank you!

Interested in helping me get to the finish line?
Click Here, visit the Financial tab, or email me: laurakay.richardson@sim.org


Tuesday, November 18, 2014

They are the future...

Why teach at Bingham Academy? This pretty much sums it up.



They are the future.


Monday, October 27, 2014

50 Days

I have set a goal.  A goal that requires bold prayers and your support. I have set a goal to raise 100% of my support in 50 days.

Today, we are at Day 48. If we can meet this goal, I will be able to stick with the departure date that I have set in faith.  If the goal is met, I will be in Ethiopia around January 3rd. 

This is not a journey that I can take on my own, and I would like to be up front about my needs. Just like the early church, I need people who are willing to support me financially as I join the ministry that is occurring in Ethiopia. Would you prayerfully consider joining my support team to meet my monthly budget needs?



Monthly budget needs: $2,117
This covers housing, salary, medical insurance, taxes, and home office services.



Ministry launch funds: $7,301
This money covers the cost of training, vaccinations, deputation, visas/work permit, and household needs. 

50 days is not a long time, but it is an attainable goal.  How can you help? 

Ready to make a donation or monthly commitment now?
Click here or visit the Financial tab.



Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Where Is There? My Story

What am I doing with my life? Where will I be after graduation? What has God called me to do? Where is there? And how can I get there?

I would dare to say that as a college student, I was not the only one with those questions. 

Almost four years ago, I was asking those questions. I didn’t know what to do next.  I knew that I was called to serve in full time ministry, and I knew I wanted to find an opportunity to serve along the way.

That’s when I applied for WinShape Camps.  I spend the summer of 2012 as a Team Time and Skill Leader.  We learned cheers, we danced, and we went on secret serving missions in Secret Ops. More importantly, I had the opportunity to share with campers from nine different communities that they were extraordinary in the eyes of their Heavenly Father.  I made friends that will last a lifetime, and I fell in love with a ministry that seeks to connect the local church to their community. 



In 2013, I had the opportunity to serve on leadership for a team as an Office Director.  More friendships blossomed, and my heart for ministry grew.  I learned how to be a leader among my peers, how to encourage and support others in ministry, and how to be intentional with each given moment.  



During this time, I was pursuing a degree in elementary education, and before the summer of 2014, I completed my student teaching at an international school in Ethiopia.  God ROCKED my world. He changed my plans. He was directing my steps. He called me to step out in faith and pursue a job in Ethiopia.  I said no. I had an internship with WinShape, and that was MY plan.



The Lord continued to pull at my heart, and I finally surrendered MY plans.  Summer 2014 rolled around, and I was serving as an Office Director again.  I was stretched in ways that I never knew were possible.  I learned to depend on my Savior.  I learned to value of deep friendship. 



Where is there? I finally knew. “There” for me was a teacher in Ethiopia.  WinShape Camps was the tool the Lord used to prepare me.  I learned how to effectively share the Gospel to children. I learned how to teach parachute games. I learned how to teach children to dream big. I learned how to live and serve in community.  Without WinShape Camps, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Whatever the Lord is calling you to do, WinShape Camps can help you get there (and you’ll have the time of your life in the process)!

I dare you to check it out!


Whereisthere.org

Thursday, October 9, 2014

SIMGo

At the end of August, I had the opportunity to go to Charlotte to interview with SIM.  At the end of this week, I will be returning to Charlotte for two weeks of training--SIMGo.  I would appreciate your prayers as I continue to prepare to move to Ethiopia.

As of right now, I am planning on moving to Ethiopia around January 3rd, but that can only happen if I raise all of my support. Interested in learning more about how you can support my ministry at Bingham through prayer or financial support? Let me know!

laurakay.richardson@sim.org

Ethiopia is a long way away from Charlotte