Preparing for India

Well, I finally did it. I started the blog I have wanted to for months!! So now what...

Guess I will come right out and say it. Just like most everyone else, I struggle every day of my life. It may be a small bump in the road or it may be Mount Vesuvius ready to erupt and cover me with hot flowing lava. Either way, I will tackle it and learn something along the way. I will share with you moments where I have struggled through, succeeded, and sometimes failed at what life throws at me. 

Recently I have been searching for a way to give back and the Lord laid it out on the table for me. I am now preparing for the trip of a lifetime. I am going to Tamil Nadu, India with an organization that I am in love with, Soles4Souls. 

It is an organization based out of Nashville, TN that travels around the world to provide shoes to those that may have never owned a pair in their lifetime. One of my good friends, Katie Lentile, works for the organization which is how I found out about it. When I really listened to what it was the organization actually does, I knew I had to help. Katie told me of a trip to India they were taking in January, and that's all it took. Here is their blog which is truly inspiring.... soles4souls 

Ergo, I signed up for the trip a few days later and now I leave in just a week! A lot had to happen to get me to this point...

 First and foremost, I had to ask for two weeks off from work. Lucky for me I have a very understanding boss. YIKES! Two weeks without pay..  guess I will have to make do. I raised $3,200 with the generous help of my friends and family and persistently sending emails that border lined on begging for the money. I have had to mentally prepare myself for the things I will see while I am there. These children lack one of the simplest necessities in life and I worry about WHICH pair of shoes I will wear today. I read a book that helped me get my mind right. In a Heartbeat by Leigh Ann and Sean Tuohy. If you haven't read this, I suggest you do so. 

This book helps you to give without expecting anything in return. Yes I am biased, as I am from Memphis and did go to school with Michael Oher, the young man that the Tuohy Family adopted, but this book is truly inspirational. There is so much more I have to do before I leave, but I will save that for another post. As I think about these children, I am so eager to get there and do what I can. I will keep you updated as I get ready for my trip and will continue to share with you what I have experienced each day in India. 

So the countdown is on until I embark on a trip that I presume will change my life forever....

 Charge Thru Challenge,

Emily