The next few days of post will not be your typical “raising girls” post but will be no less challenging and important as you and I seek to raise a generation of daughters who have a heart to follow Christ wherever He takes her! I am excited to share this journey with you.

It’s my first night in Uganda and at this very moment I am fully aware of my surroundings–from the slight opening at the base of the crisp white netting surrounding my bed, to the drips of cold water rhythmically hitting the tiny square tiles lining the shower floor. (Yes- I know for a fact that it is indeed cold water!)

I can’t sleep. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I slept the majority of the 18 hours it took to get here or it could be because there are a gang of partying puppies outside my window. 

Either way…I am awake and I can’t seem to turn my mind off. 

I keep thinking about a post I recently wrote– “If These Shoes Could Talk” (you can read that here) It started with this:

Have you ever noticed how much of a person’s life you can piece together just from taking a peek at their shoes?…

With 4 sets of growing feet, my house is full of shoes, girly shoes…and full of stories. Each pair represents seasons of life past, present and future.

Now laying here in Jinja, Uganda preparing to fight for and love on lives devastated by jiggers, a parasite that invades the feet of thousands of children and adults, I’m forced to ask myself what kind of story is told from a person who has never worn shoes? 

I am full of thoughts, questions, and, I’ll admit, even some anxiety for this week’s adventures that start this morning.  I am amazed at the journey that God has taken me on to get to this point and I know that there are many twists, turns, and faith steps that I will have to take as I continue down the road. 

Who are these people I am preparing to meet- what untold stories live in soles that have walked in dirt and only experience pain.

I’ve been told that my perspective on life and the world is about to change – and I believe it.  

I’m just here awake. With an open heart, a listening ear and longing to experience the realities of God’s love as He writes new stories one new sole at a time. 

Will you open your heart and join me from nearly 8,000 miles away?

Learn more about jiggers and Sole Hope here.