Wherever you would call me.

The beauty of the Lord is something I will never tire of.

For most of my life there have been several things I told the Lord I 

"wouldn't" do. I say wouldn't loosely because we all know that

when we tell the Lord we're not gonna do something

He always brings about a way and we find ourselves eating our words

at least that's been my experience almost every time.

Those who know me, know I am a diva.

as sassy as they come. Growing up you could find me 

playing dolls and baking, playing teacher and waitress {indoors}

where as most of my friends were playing in the dirt,

building bug kingdoms and playing sports.

I loved softball but always preferred dance.

I say all of this to say, I have dreamed of the american dream

for as long as my heart remembers.

I was going to teach, making an unrealistic salary, 

get my nails done weekly,

 have 3.5 kids and a 2 story house

a perfect husband and live right down the road from my parents

so grandma could watch the kids instead of a daycare.

I know you're all laughing, because I am too.

what on earth was I thinking?!

I am so grateful Jesus had other plans.

He always does.

He took my education degree and turned it into a social work degree.

He took my 2 story house and turned it into living at my parent's house in the office.

He took my 3.5 kids and turned it into a dog for right now.

He took my perfect prince charming and gave me the gift of singleness in this season.

He is so full of beauty, unexpected beauty in ways we never see coming.

and I am so honored to tell you that once again he has superceded

my greatest expectations.

after a crazy season of trials earlier in 2017, he has brought SO

much growth and healing to my weary heart and as I have continued

to journey towards graduation (t-minus 6 weeks. woohoo!!) I have

constantly asked him where He would want me and where I can 

best serve Him with my gifts in this season of fresh growth.

and while he has brought about an amazing opportunity for my career

{more on that to come}, he has also brought about an amazing opportunity

to be His hands and His feet.

THIS December, of 2017. 

I will be taking a HUGE leap of faith,

and defying all my diva dream ideas

and going on my first ever overseas mission trip.

  to INDIA

I will be going with an organization near and dear to our family's 

hearts. They provide sponsorship for several orphanages and individual

children in India as well as Nepal, Costa Rica and Kenya.

We will be in India for about 3 weeks, traveling to 4 different cities.

We will be providing support, resources and tangible help to those

we are partnered with and the children we sponsor.

Our family personally sponsors 2 children who are now adults

and we are already stashing up on goodies to take them when we see them.

one of them, I am meeting for the first time ever. eek!

I am so excited to take this leap of faith, and could not have chosen

a better team to partner with.

But I am asking you, please partner with me in prayer.

If you have traveled overseas, even if you have been places other

than India- I welcome all your tips and tricks, encouragement, 

verses, whatever helped you and an abundance of your prayers.

Prayer for our team.

for our safety.

for our ability to minister.

for the hearts of the children and staff.

for our programs.

for our joy.

for our lack of american comfort.

for our attitudes.

for smooth travels.

for the Lord to provide financially.

and most importantly for us to be right inside of the Lord's will

only doing what he has called us to, and being willing to change directions

as we feel Him leading.

If you are able, the trip is costing each member of the 

team $3500 and it would be a TREMENDOUS

help to me and the team if you could partner financially to help us

get there, buy supplies for the homes and children, tools/ equipment to 

do the projects we're undertaking, craft supplies,

and other things needed for the VBS

programs we will be running in the different homes

and room and board while we are traveling and staying

at various places.

you can donate at www.brokenheartsminstries.com

under the donate tab and if you wouldn't mind putting my name in the notes section or the memo of your check that will ensure your donation goes to our 

specific trip, instead of the organization as a whole.

Donations are tax-deductible and checks can be made out to Broken Hearts Ministries.

I am excited to see this journey the Lord is taking me on, and I am excited

for you all to get to partner with me and come along for this journey to

change lives for the cause of Christ.

stay tuned to the blog for more updates

and I will most definitely be posting tons of pictures

so you know what your prayers and donations are going towards.

Other fun notes regarding this trip,

life after graduation and other fun things coming up.

thank you to each of you, whether your first time here

or faithful followers for years. You make sharing my heart here easy.

I am forever grateful for your support.

Until next time,

Austyn