I’ve had so much fun re-reading all my posts last year from the first mission trip giveaway. I remember being so nervous to share my crazy dream with you. I couldn’t even imagine what God had in store for me and the trip winners and especially what He would do in their lives! I always enjoy reading your comments. I found this comment on Oct. 15th 2010 from Lori Smith, who had no idea she would be one of the winners! Here’s what she said on the day we launched the giveaway (I love this!)

Lori Smith Says: October 19th, 2010 at 1:43 PM e

You are so much fun! People can get swallowed up by the vastness of the need. YOU inspire people to act and live life fully in the midst of it all. THANK YOU!
I have spent time today blogging and posting and sharing your passion for this missions trip….what a delight. (And my husband will be thrilled with the Man Up shirt I secretly ordered for him….and IF we win the trip – he can stay with the kids and proudly wear that shirt…while I jet off to love on orphans!~)

So, what happens if you WIN the mission trip? On December, 2nd at the Give To Go Event in Nashville, TN we will announce the winner of the trip giveaway. You can purchase tees until Friday, Dec 2 at 12 noon online. If your name is picked from the hundreds (maybe thousands) of entries you will get to pick a special mission trip from these 13 countries: El Salvador, Costa Rica, Haiti, Ecuador, Honduras, China, Ghana, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda, India and Ukraine! Your life will never be the same going on a mission trip. I shared last week about the impact you can make on a short term mission trip here and the power of serving and loving orphans IS life changing. If you enter to win this giveaway, get ready to have your heart rocked in a crazy way! It’s your opportunity to GO, BE, LOVE orphans and share God’s love just like He says in I Cor. 13:13 “Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.”

I went on my first mission trip when I turned 42 years old. I will never forget my excitement when I got off the plane in Haiti. I remember the smells and sounds of being in a foreign country made everything feel so surreal. I bunked with my best friend, Juju and laughed for an hour after watching her jump on top of her bed when a large bug crawled leaped at her shoes, collapsing the cot in a heap on the floor. We religiously sprayed our bodies with Avon’s Skin So Soft to keep the bugs at bay. We visited hundreds of children during our week in Cap Haitien and had a blast making up skits of our favorite Bible stories. I knew in my heart that visiting orphans was my purpose and passion for the rest of my life!

If you normally don’t leave a comment, I want to ask you to share with me what winning this mission trip would mean to you.

ENTER TO WIN A MISSION TRIP HERE!

Thank you for voting for your favorite Visiting Orphans + Simply Love tees! You made it so fun for the team all week long reading your comments! I hand counted each and every one of your votes (whew!) We are so thrilled to share the 2 winning tees that will kick off a very exciting project! I will announce the NEW project on November 1st, so stay tuned to the craziness coming soon right here on My Crazy Adoption blog!

The 2 Winning Tees:

With 105 votes…

With 57 votes….

Francesca Battistelli has a beautiful song called Motion of Mercy and every time I hear it, I feel like she is singing to me.  About 10 years ago I was completely poor, weak, and bankrupt spiritually.  I was selfish and unsatisfied with my life.  I loved being a wife and mother, but there was no purpose or passion for ministry.  It was important for me to keep my life simple and comfortable- really only choosing to do things that were convenient to my needs.  I had no idea what it meant to give myself away. In all honestly, I wasted so much time, energy and money on things that have no purpose or meaning.  It makes me [sniff] right now thinking about the lost years.

I love that God pours His mercy on the most hungry and thirsty of His children.  He created a purpose for me and I just needed to open my heart and listen to His calling.  His mercies saved my life.  I had no idea what God had in store when we made the decision to adopt Zoie.  He had a plan already made and was waiting [ever so patiently] for us to set things in motion.  He knew our speed would be super slow, but He never stopped pouring mercy on our family.  Adoption changed our lives, but the next part of His plan – caring for the fatherless was the missing link in my life.  I will be forever grateful to Him for connecting me with Visiting Orphans ministry.  The ministry He has waiting for me has radically changed my life.  The words … I was empty before now I’m drawn to compassion now take on a whole new meaning.  God give me strength to give something for nothing
I wanna be a glimpse of the Kingdom that’s coming soon.  That’s the motion of mercy … Changing the way and the why we are. That’s the motion of mercy … Moving my heart.  I went on my first mission trip when I was 41 years old and I pray I can dedicate the next 41+ years to serving and living for the lost and loving ‘til it hurts … No matter what the cost.

I’d really love to hear how God has started the “Motion of Mercy” in your life?  I pray we can continue to support and encourage each other in blog land to keep loving Him big!!

This is a personal video I took sitting next to the Nile River in Uganda alone- just me and God.  It’s emotional for me to listen again to my prayer and thankfulness how God changed the way and why in my life.

 

“Motion Of Mercy”

I was poor I was weak
I was the definition of the spiritually
Bankrupt condition
So in need of help

I was unsatisfied
Hungry and thirsty
When You rushed to my side
So unworthy
Still You gave yourself away…

[Chorus]
That’s the motion of mercy
Changing the way and the why we are
That’s the motion of mercy
Moving my heart

Now I’m filled by a love
That calls me to action
I was empty before now I’m drawn to compassion
And to give myself away

Living for the lost
Loving ‘til it hurts
No matter what the cost
Like You loved me first
That’s the motion of mercy

God give me strength to give something for nothing
I wanna be a glimpse of the Kingdom that’s coming soon

Man Up is really about LOVING BIG

Three years ago, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia I found myself lying in bed shaking from the fear of death.   Not my own, but for my brand new daughter. I had already been down this path before not once, but twice.  A daddy losing a little child definitely has a lasting sting. The first one I lost, the second one became our beautiful daughter, Hannah.  I was not ready for trip number three.

After 48 hours of constantly nurturing Zoie Senait, being rejected by four hospitals, and finally the doctor who did see us said, “Good luck. I hope she makes it” as if she was trying out for the junior high cheerleading squad. Finally, we made it back to the hotel and we put Zoie down to sleep. I fell crashed on the bed and tried to go to sleep, but my mind was racing to figure out how to get out of my daughter’s death. (I know, pathetic.) I felt guilty that I was even thinking such thoughts. I just couldn’t face the thought of it.  For me, it was the pain of failure. How could a real father allow a little girl to die? How could a real father not provide the things that she needs to have a GREAT life?  I had only been her daddy for two days and I was scared out of my mind!

Kari could sense my anxiety so she encouraged me to pick up the phone and call the one person who always seems to have the right answers, my dad. Hearing his voice is always so calming and his words are filled with wisdom. It was in the middle of the night back home, but I needed my dad, so I made the call. As soon as he picked up the phone, I instantly started sharing how inconvenient this whole adoption thing has been – problems with the embassy, problems with our paperwork, and to make matters worse, a sick baby in a foreign country…  blah, blah, blah. I finally ran out of words and was patiently awaiting for his perfect, uplifting words. I needed him to validate my inconvenience. There was a long awkward pause … then I hear the words I will never forget … Man Up! (Did my dad just tell me to Man Up? Where was the validation I was looking for? Doesn’t he know how much I’ve been through?) He repeats himself to make sure I did indeed hear his words, “Man Up, Son! Zoie needs you. If she were to die right now, at least she can say she had a daddy for two days. Who loved her and fought for her with everything he had. Who else is going to stand up for her? Only you, so love her BIG!”

Man Up is really about Loving Big.

Man Up is really about doing what we (men) were made to do: lead, protect, and love… the greatest of the three is love.  I’m often reminded of the parable of the Good Samaritan when thinking about Man Up. Lying right in the middle of the path is a beaten, unconscious, naked man who has just been robbed of everything. The first two dudes to walk by actually sidestep the problem as though it doesn’t exist. These were guys who would have been the most qualified to “fix” the problem, but chose not to. The third guy was just like me and perhaps you – ordinary. Yet, Christ uses an ordinary Samaritan to demonstrate what it means to Simply Love.
That dreaded, embarrassing meltdown I had in Ethiopia is forever etched into my memory as me being one of those “qualified” wimpy dudes. Not wanting to be inconvenienced, or face another possible sting, or sacrifice my time. I’m so thankful for my dad speaking truth to me. The rest is history. Zoie is now a healthy, beautiful three year old girl that I could never imagine life without. Since that time, I’ve learned a lot about what it means to Man Up for the Fatherless. Men, they need us. They need to experience authentic love from a man. They need to feel the healthy touch from a man. They need to see a smile from a man. They need to experience the blessing from a man. They need you.

If you are interested in joining me this summer on the Visiting Orphans Man Up mission trip July 31- August 14th, please email me [here on the blog] and I will get in touch with you.  I promise you, it will change your life forever!

Roger Gibson

Visiting Orphans Website

My crazy readers- are you ready for an adventure?  I have TWO new trips to share with you… join me in 2012 making a difference in the life of an orphan.  Are you longing to visit orphans in Haiti or Ethiopia and Uganda?

I want to know what you love most about missions or what is holding you back from going on a mission trip.  Help me learn more about how to encourage YOU to go on a missions trip.  Leave me a comment today (don’t be shy) and let’s chat!  If you have questions- email me!

Follow me on Facebook- just click “like” on the sidebar.

Trip 1:

I love Haiti!!  I’m so thrilled to lead a trip with Visiting Orphans in 2012 to Port-au-Prince and Pignon, Haiti!!  This trip will be an adventure for 10 days with my dear friend, Steve Ijames aka Jack Bauer! Wait till you hear more about my new co-leader!!  His expertise and connections in PAP are like rock star status – God has used this man in a mighty way in Haiti.  Together, we will lead our team safely through this incredible country to minister and visit orphans!  Steve and I have traveled 2 times together to Haiti, but he has lead trips for years all over Haiti.  Let’s max out this trip and give hope in Haiti 2012!  FYI- you can apply now!

Apply Now!

“Hope in Haiti” 10 Day Trip
Dates: January 20-30, 2012
Leader: Kari Gibson & Steve Ijames
Location: Port-au-Prince & Pignon, Haiti
Team Size: 20 persons max
Cost: $2400-$2700 (trip total varies depending on flight and travel insurance costs) Details:

Join My Crazy Adoption blogger, Kari Gibson celebrating her 45th birthday on a 10 day missions adventure to Haiti. I’m thrilled to have Steve Ijames (aka Jack Bauer) co-leading with me to Haiti.

Port-Au-Prince portion:

This team will spend the first few days visiting 2 orphanage partners in PAP. Children Household of Tomorrow Orphanage is located right in the heart of PAP and is home to 44 children. This orphanage more than doubled in size after the earthquake and is in desperate need of assistance. Well Being Orphanage is located just outside the city in an area called Croix de Bouquette and is home to 30 children. These children are currently living in large tent on the property that is owned by the family members of the woman who cares for these kids – they have been living there since the earthquake destroyed the original orphanage.  We will also minister to the children, as well as bring supplies needed to care for them.

Orphanage Haiti Home of Hope portion:

We will venture out of the city, up to the mountainous village of Pignon where we will live and minister for five days with Kari’s good friends, Bill and Jennifer Campbell at their orphanage, Haiti Home of Hope (HHH) The children range in age from 2 to 17 years old with special needs, children who were former slaves, those who were abused, one who is terminal, and those that almost died from simple starvation. They are all beautiful and loving princesses and princes!  They enjoy crafts, games, and being loved on. We have a projector, and can have a big movie night, under the stars, with popcorn and the works! Our goal at HHH is to bring up children in a Godly manner, and stop the cycle of ignorance, abuse, and poverty.

Clinic of Pignon portion:

The team will also serve at the clinic with Family VBS- devotions, prayer, and singing. “We have had a number of voodoo practicing families come to know Christ, after hearing the Word in clinic, and the change in their lives is amazing- HHH” We will prepare a big meal for all the clinic families, and serve them and minister to them… providing seed packets, formula, and diapers!

Village of Pignon portion:

We will have the opportunity to minister to the village of Pignon! Home visits are a great way to find out specific needs and specific ways to help individuals. The Campbells have finished building houses for widows, put roofs homes to keep the rain out, passed out medicines, saved children from slavery, prevented children from becoming slaves, found sick and injured and taken them to hospitals. Making home visits is vital for HHH.

(Johnny Fig and me in Haiti- he was injured in the earthquake!)

Trip 2:

Julie and I have dreamed of leading a trip together to Ethiopia!  We have been friends for over 13 years and both have adopted children from Addis Ababa!  We can’t wait to visit orphans all over this beautiful country with a Visiting Orphans team ready to man up 4 the fatherless!  You can apply now for this amazing trip!

Apply Now!

“Simply Love Ethiopia and Uganda” 14 Day Trip
Dates: June 7-20, 2012
Leaders: Kari Gibson & Julie Neal
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Jijna and Kampala, Uganda
Team Size: 30 persons max
Cost: $3200 – $3400 (trip total varies depending on flight and travel insurance costs)

Details:

Join My Crazy Adoption blogger, Kari Gibson and her best friend, Julie Neal on a 12 day missions adventure to Africa.  Together, they are leading a team to minister in Ethiopia and will make sure your time is both powerful for the orphans and immeasurably life-changing for you!

The team will be working for several days in Addis Ababa with Project 61 for extreme needy children living in the Korah city dump… VBS, community BBQ, Home Makeovers, Leper Hospital, and more.  We will have a special outreach at Baer Essentials (rural Dahley) outside the city, as well as an excursion to Negash Lodge to see the beauty of rural Ethiopia. We will have the incredible opportunity to celebrate the inauguration of the Dig Deep Well in Chucko Weyama (Neal Family Project) with A Glimmer of Hope. We will visit the community and share in their joy of living with clean water!  The team will also minister at two Govt Orphanages [ages infants to teens] as well as visit Fistula Hospital for an exclusive tour of the center and the courageous women featured in the movie “A Walk To Beautiful.”  Just for fun- donkey races and bowling! [Itinerary subject to change]

UGANDA:

We will work with Sixty Feet ministry and live at Canaan’s Children’s Home.  The relationships and ministry opportunities will be life-changing!!  More details to come!

We are looking for men, women, and teens who want to Man Up 4 orphans!
Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is LOVE. (1 Cor. 13:13)

Videos to View:

Dig Deep Project

Village of Korah

Mission News: We have only 5 spots left for the Man Up missions trip.  Don’t miss out and sign up today!

Simply Love Tote Project:

You can purchase my brand new totes with a purpose.  Each bag will help my son, Michael go to Ethiopia and Uganda in August with Man Up Trip with Visiting Orphans. Together we are raising his support and everything above and beyond will bless orphans in Ethiopia and Uganda on his trip.  Michael has helped raise $10,000 for the well project in Chucko, Ethiopia and can’t wait to visit, in person, the working well and see with his own eyes the miracles God has done for a rural village in Ethiopia.

CLICK FOR STORE- PURCHASE YOUR TOTE HERE.  BLITZ ENDS APRIL 18th!!

The Man Up Trip:

Why should you let your man go on a missions trip?

This is a triple adventure all wrapped up in one mission trip!!  We have prayed for an opportunity to spread our Man Up 4 Orphans mission in a powerful way and Visiting Orphans has customized an itinerary to not only love orphans, but to visit a well digging project in progress, as well as Go Big with the Dude Perfect guys and help them make basketball history in Africa!!

If you have been praying for something extraordinary for your man … this is the mission trip to send him on!  We are calling men [and women] to Man Up and awaken the body of Christ to be the hands and feet of Jesus to the 163 million orphans by visiting them, loving them, and sharing the Father’s heart.

Here’s what one husband and dad emailed me about going on a Visiting Orphans mission trip []

Kari,

I want to take a minute to say thank you for what you do for the cause of orphans and following a call God put in your heart!! My wife ran across Zoie’s gotcha day video almost a year ago. This eventually led us to your blog and ultimately me going on a trip to Uganda with Visiting Orphans last week where I got to install ‘high-speed’ internet for Pastor Isaac and the children at Canaan’s, give computers, a projector and lots of clothes and shoes to Pastor Samuel at Return Uganda, feed kids and play soccer at Katie’s, give a laptop to and just fall in love with the work Rebecca is doing at Royal Hope Academy. As I’m sure you are well aware, I can’t tell you how much it forever changed my life. As you can imagine, I can’t wait to get back to do more to help the children of Uganda.

I’ve never considered myself to be overly loving or even very patient towards children other than my own daughter. Most of the mission trips I have been on I always volunteered for the ‘construction projects’ where I was most comfortable, versus really spending time with or loving on kids. That was all before God broke my heart for the fatherless. I’ll have to admit, my first reaction to God’s calling was…. no way, loving on kids is what women/mom’s do. I thought children won’t be as receptive to men as they are women. There is nothing like a mother’s love and care, but then God spoke to me and said, “did I specify women when I wrote James 1:27?” OK God, I gotcha…I’m in…I don’t know how or what I really have to offer, and I will probably be the only man on this trip that is not there with his spouse to ‘help me through this process’, but I’m gonna go, I’m not only gonna do it afraid, I’m gonna do it terrified. When I arrived in Uganda, God used some precious children to show me that I may not be their earthly father, but I can be an example of their heavenly father, who loves them unconditionally, and knows each of them them by name. I also realized these kids are typically taken care of by aunties, which is great, but they desperately need more Godly men in their lives who unashamedly will be the hands and feet of Christ.

Only God knows why He led me to your site, and His ultimate calling on my life to have a heart for orphans. As I reflect on the process of how God led me to Uganda, I’m overwhelmed with His faithfulness to His children when we are obedient to His call and surrender to His will. This entire journey has perfectly demonstrated how God can and will use all of us, women and men.

Apply today for the experience of a lifetime!!

42 million  (reasons to go)

There are over 42 million orphans in the continent of Africa, one-third of them are due to AIDS.  Visiting Orphans sends out mission teams all year long to Ethiopia, Ghana, Rwanda and Uganda. We offer trips which are twelve to fourteen days long and our trips range from visiting orphans in one country in Africa, to customized trips which incorporate missions in two different countries like Uganda and Ethiopia.

The hearts of our staff at Visiting Orphans are particularly broken for the orphans in Africa.  Through amazing partnerships with ministries and orphanages in Africa our teams are significantly impacted on these trips and the lives they reach while ministering in Africa are forever changed as well.

Dates: July 31 – August 14, 2011

Location: Ethiopia & Uganda

Details: This is a one of a kind mission trip with a triple killer itinerary to Love and Protect the Fatherless.  If you want to Man Up (women included) with Visiting Orphans and make a difference … this is your trip!!  Man Up 4 Orphans leader: Roger Gibson, Dig Deep leader: Rob Neal, and Dude Perfect leader: Cory Cotton will lead this team on an extraordinary adventure to Africa. We will visit the Dig Deep Well Project in Chuko Weyama, Ethiopia and minister to the precious community receiving a Water and Sanitation system through A Glimmer of Hope.  The team will Man Up and minister to orphans in Ethiopia and Uganda.

“Some people think small. Some people live small. And while that may work for others, that’s not exactly our style. We are Dude Perfect-6 insanely competitive college guys – and we Go Big. Since our beginning only a year and a half ago, we have been on a crazy ride. And to say the least, we feel very blessed.” Dude Perfect has a crazy compassion for loving orphans and hopes you’ll join us in dreaming big, going big and making a big impact on this world.

Your Leaders:

• Roger Gibson- Man Up 4 Orphans website – www.mycrazyadoption.com
• Rob Neal- Dig Deep website – http://www.ourglimmerofhope.org/campaign/dig-deep
• Cory Cotton and the guys- Dude Perfect website – www.dudeperfect.com

Cost: $3400  (cost varies dependent on flight costs)

Sign Up Today- Apply Here