Back in Action

Okay people!

Family, Friends, an Good Hearted Peoples (GHP).

We have FINALLY figured out how to verify our account for gofundme. I am so sorry for any inconvenience ya'll have suffered in trying to donate on the website. So all the GHPs STAND UP(not literally) and donate please: http://www.gofundme.com/kenck&aff=GFMse

We are pressing on in this journey to India and we're going to need all the pennies we can get to make the most impact on the people of India.

We love you all
xoxo

Terrified, I can't even lie.

I am. I am completely and utterly scared. Most of the time I think about this whole trip and journey and my soul is filled with wonder and optimism, but recently a different feeling has crept in. I can't sit here and lie and say everything is going to be great, we will be safe, nothing major will happen, but I realize nothing is guaranteed.

When I went to Rwanda, it was through an organization. They took care of all the logistics, all I had to worry about was my heart being in the right place and fundraising of course. They wouldn't send us some where unsafe or put us in a position where a lot could be compromised. But this trip is different. We are closing our eyes and jumping. No safety net, no parachute, nothing. Just the expectation that God is going to catch us. I can think of specifically one other time I have blindly jumped in my life, and God was more faithful than I could ever have imagined. So it will be okay, right?

Generally I am not a scared person. I am strong willed, independent and will do anything I put my mind to. Although I have not been given a spirit of fear it has over taken my soul these past few days. I am realizing the reality of severity of the situation. The reality that there could be a huge natural disaster while in India, I could catch a life threatening illness or disease, I could be kidnapped, sold into trafficking, I could find myself helpless in many unsafe situations. What if we run out of money? What if we get arrested? What if we are held hostage and tortured to death? There is so much that is running through my head, especially in regards to a huge tidal wave or monsoon (random I know). Most of these seem quite dramatic I know, but they are real genuine fears of mine (mostly thanks to Hollywood of course!)

This is by far the biggest test of faith that I have ever experienced in my entire life. This trip doesn't make sense, it's not easy, it's not pretty, and it costs ALOT of money out of pocket. But God has done some huge things in regards to this trip this past week (which a post will be coming later) that reminds me with out a shadow of a doubt, that this is God' will for this season in our lives.

God is faithful. God is good. He is sovereign. And then I remind myself, honestly Kelsey if God is for you, who can be against you? No fear, no person, no circumstance nothing. He has already won, so I am going into this knowing that no matter how this trip goes, how it ends and what happens in between nothing will be in vain for no what faith and destiny is already secured.

Since a young girl I have heard and read of story after story of God redeeming love and His sheer protection in the most obscure circumstances (Daniel and the lions den, Shadrach, Meshach and Abendnego, David and Goliath...just to name a few) and my God is the same today, yesterday and forever so why would this be any different?

Yes, we know not all stories end as these did, with the happy ending. Some end in death, pain, and torture, but even in that there is glory to be given.

Pray for us. We would greatly appreciate it.

Culture. Food. Fellowship. Take me!

The Golden Temple in Amritsar, India is the holiest site for practitioners of the Sikh religion. They provide food for thousands at all Sikh Temples through out India, despite race, religion and class. The Golden Temple is the largest in the country feeding over 100,000 people a day. Yup, you bet we will be visiting the temple to share in the culture, food and fellowship. India has a huge story telling culture. Couldn't think of a better place to be with the people and swap stories. We have many stories to share of this miraculous man who offers life, and life abundantly. 

Watch the behind the scenes tour of The Golden Temple and how it is run.  Surprisingly interesting.

Wonder if we can volunteer to help cook the food?

my thoughts...

...when stepping into a hot bubble bath tonight. More often than not, before I go to bed I take a nice hot bath. Always have, always will. I turn my water up as hot as it will go, I like it so scolding hot that my skin instantly turns bright red. I then wait a few minutes before stepping in. Expecting that seemingly boiling water to burn my skin, I step in and then what has become one of my biggest pet peeves, luke warm water. It honestly irks me to no end to where I don't even want to get in the bath. I sit there, more annoyed than ever, can't even enjoy the bath due to what seems like frigid water. I convince myself to sit in in for just at least 3 minutes so I don't feel like I totally wasted all that water. I begin to ponder the point of luke warm water. Honestly, who wants a luke warm bath? Instantly India pops into my head. My thoughts process as follows..

"Hmm, I wonder if I am going to think back on this moment in a few months in the sweltering heat of India wishing for a luke warm bath and be annoyed at hot showers? Are we going to have hot showers in India? Are we going to have cold showers in Inida? Are we even going to have showers in India??" 

And then of course I am brought back to reality. And reminded of how blessed I am to have the ability to sit in a bath, even with luke warm water, here in America. I have a shower and a bath, and I am going to complain because the water isn't hot enough? Really, yeah I am that girl unfortunately.

Although I am reminded of what a truly blessed life I live, I am over whelmed with the reminder that this trip is no walk in the park. This trip is  not a vacation to India to see the Taj Mahal and ride of the back of elephants. Not at all. It is to go and be with the poorest of the poor and sickest of the sick and show them love and compassion. More likely than not we will go days on end with out a shower, let alone a hot shower. We will be eating white rice and buttermilk with the orphans for three meals a day while sitting on the dirt floor. Don't really know if our clothes will ever get washed for the entire two months. We have been told India does not sell deodorant and to always have toilet paper because it is a rarity (yup, that thing you hear about never using your left hand is true). But this is my heart. This is why I am going. Why I have to go.

So slowly but surely I am being reminded of what it is like to be out of my comfort zone, because before I know it I will be far from comfort trying to make the best of it. Which I am sure a luke warm bath would seem heavenly! It's all about perspective isn't it?

But I can't lie, until then I hope to enjoy scolding hot baths!

Video Bloopers!

As you all can tell Hollywood will not be calling any of us anytime soon! But at least we had fun and got the final video after about 30 attempts (literally!) Enjoy!

Check out the finalized video if you haven't already @ http://www.gofundme.com/kenck and feel free to click the donate button :]

Tres Amigos!

Who ever said three's a crowd never saw The Three Stooges or The Three Musketeers! (Well, neither have I but I know there is power and strength in three)

For where two or three come together in my name, I am there with them--Matthew 18:20

Good things come in three right?

Three peas in a pod, three blind mice, the three wise men, the three chipmunks, third times a charm, and of course the three amigos!

We are excited to announce our newest member to Barouke, the beautiful miss Sheree' (or as I like to call her ReRe). ReRe went to nursing school with both Adrian and I and has a heart for people and the nations. And as cliche' as it may sound this girl is truly my soul sister. Our souls connect and understand each other on a deeper level that literally no one else can understand. We have shared in many out door excursions together (some more well thought out than others :/ ) but all have which lead to awesome soul baring conversations. This girl knows my heart like non other.  I am so excited for her to join in on this adventure, bigger than any other, as she is truly a woman after God's own heart. I feel honored and blessed that she would come and partner with us and maybe bring some sanity to Adrian and I!

Please welcome Sheree' and read her story here!

In continual efforts to help raise money for our big trip we are having a huge 'rummage sale' on May 4th and 5th.  If you have ANYTHING you would like to donate to the cause we would be more than happy to come and pick up your old rummage. We will come pick up and transport it all for you, just shoot us an email here. One mans trash is another mans treasure, right? So ahead and get an early start on that dreaded spring cleaning and help out a good cause! We would really appreciate it, thanks!

Moving Forward!

This past week Kelsey and I have both struggled with doubts and those doubts have inhibited us from moving forward. Through the "Drawing Nearer" series by John Bevere I have realized that I must "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you" James 4:8. I have finally recommitted myself to going to India. I have asked and prayed for great, awesome, and miraculous ways for this trip to happen, but instead I have an idea for a Garage sale. I know, I know. There is nothing AWEsome about a garage sale, but it's something I think I can do well.

So if anyone has anything to donate to this garage sale you can email barouke2@yahoo.com or leave a comment. Of course, all of the proceeds will go towards funding this trip. The Garage Sale will be on May 4 & 5!!!

Came to the realization that this isn't going to be easy, mentally, physically, spiritually and logistically there is no cake to be had here. I finally admitted to myself that although this is an exciting adventure, I am scared. Deep down I am filled with complete and udder sheer fear. As much as I cringe at the comfortable, stable seemingly stagnant life, I am beginning to get it. Its easy, comforting, not much risk therefore not much to be lost, or gained. Although everything not perfect and ideal, I am content and comfortable. Its easy, so why would I want to make things difficult for myself. Well, that's just me I guess.

Adrian and I had a good heart to heart last night about the trip. We both got busy within our own separate lives this past week or so which was the perfect breeding ground for doubt, fear and uncertainty. There are many people in both our lives telling us we are stupid for this, we shouldn't make rash decisions, the whole idea is unpractical and there is no way we are going to make any impact. Although we are both strong, independent girls, this does wear on our souls quite heavily. 

And these are the things that remind me that I HAVE to go, I just have to. The fact that I am comfortable and starting to into a routine, means I need a change. Personally I grow most when I am stretched, uncomfortable and uncertain, which is why I tend to throw myself into those type of situations. Combined with the fact that more people than not, and surprisingly more believers than unbelievers are doubting the great works and miracles my God can do. Really? Of all the great works and miracles throughout time, you really think THIS is to big for our God. I am sure you are mistaken. 

So yes, I am terrified. I won't even lie. Living in India for two months during monsoon season (were are contacts are telling us it can get up to 115 degrees with pure humidity) in an orphanage with no walls, eating white rice for three meals a day (literally, well we get an egg on Sundays!) trying to maintain our sanity while caring for the 'unclaimed people of the streets' with the minimal medical supplies, well its clearly not going to be the most joyous time of my life. I am excited, but honestly I am not. I know its going to be hard, a struggle and I am sure down right miserable. But I am excited for the growth, the realness and the transformation of lives.

This is who I am. This is what I was created for. This is why I became a nurse. I will not let fear overshadow that. 

What fears in your life are holding you back from allowing you to be the person you were created to be?

Randomness of my THOUGHTS

Checking emails, sending emails
Trying to figure out ways to raise money... Anybody got an idea?
Went to a job fair today, no one is hiring lol
Good thing i'm going to India... I might just get an open ticket and stay FOREVER!

My mama would not be happy with that one.. Gotta pick up my cross and follow Jesus!

Look what finally came in this weekend! Our very own Barouke cards. So excited to finally start handing these out and getting the word out about our trip to India that has been under wraps for so long :]

Now that everything is up and running, we will be updating more frequently so be sure to check back!