Lauren Elizabeth or more affectionately known at "YaYa"

Well, wow. The day is here. This past summer when Lauren mentioned to me that she'd like to go to South Africa on STINT with Campus Crusade I looked at her and smiled. For several reasons, one being because she makes me laugh but mainly because it came as NO surprise to me at all. I had been telling several people that I predicted she would do just that. Now, I never told her.....why in the world would I put such a crazy idea in her head!! :)

Lauren approached South Africa like she has most things in her life. Calm, cool and collected. She didn't sweat about the support even though she only had what? maybe 2 - 3 months of actual support raising. Her mentality was "If the Lord wants me to go, He will provide". Who can argue with that???

Well, she leaves tomorrow. We are sad around here but only for us. We are so excited to see the impact she has on the people of South Africa, if they just catch a glimpse of her heart she will have their undivided attention. She's such a contagious person.

Our prayer is that the Lord will prepare the hearts of those she will cross paths with. That they will thirst for God and will see Lauren as a catalyst. She will be spending her days on Campus and also in AIDS Orphanages. Apparently, in Durban there is the largest population of people with AIDS and with that, comes thoughts of death. Based on their health, they are curious about what happens after death. I'm praying that this year, not only does the Lord use Lauren to further his kingdom, but that the Lord uses this year in Lauren's life.

Please pray that Lauren and the whole team are wise in their decisions and yet willing to take risks for the sake of the Gospel.

Praying that God would be glorified and His kingdom advanced in Durban, South Africa in 2011!!!!