sweet love

I have learned through my college years (sheesh, what am I - a grad?) to not keep my phone out during a coffee date. So while I was catching up with my incredible friend, Toni, I kept my phone in my purse. I glanced at it as we were leaving and saw a few texts/calls but didn't bother to look into it since Toni and I were about to part. I was to be on my way to the Apple store in Reston to fix my computer. As Toni and I were saying our goodbyes, she gets a phone call. 

"Yes... she's just about to leave... Would you like to talk to her?" 

Toni hands the phone to me, only so I could hear one of my best friends having a melt down, needing me to come home before I head to Reston. Boy oh boy I was flyyying home, praying for words to say for whatever was going on with Laura, and also praying that I didn't get a ticket! I pull up to my house, park, sprint inside...





and...

S U R P R I S E ! ! !

Man oh day, the tears came and I nearly hit the floor! A bunch of my friends and family had come for my surprise going away (SAILBOAT THEMED!) party, put on by my best friends. The amount of love I felt was overwhelming; literally, I could not stop shaking. The timing was wonderful. The amount of time and work that went in to coordinating everything, making sure I got home, canceling my appointment in Reston (unbeknownst to me, ha!!) meant the world to me. My best friends from home coordinated with my best friends from school and my worlds were coming together IN MY KITCHEN! I was on cloud nine. The notes, cards, and gifts humbled my heart like no other.

I know that the Lord's love is all I need. However, I believe He does give us those relationships to model even an glimpse of what His love is like. And when I was processing it all, it was just the most beautiful thing. The love I felt was captivating. 

In addition to friendships, He gives us marriage to model His love as well. This past Sunday I had the honor of being apart the wedding of two incredible friends. It has been a blessing to watch their relationship bloom from a friendship, to what now is a marriage. It parallels how Christ loves the church even from the very beginning. And whhewwww did she look gorgeous or what?!

Renee was my small group leader at JMU and has taught me so much about (well, everything, but especially..) the Lord and His love. Watching her step into her new season with Matt was incredible!

I just returned from kayaking on the Potomac with Jiwon. Yesterday I went to a winery with Jiwon and Laura, and we later had dinner at Michelle's with Halie as well. It was the last night all 5 of us would be together for at least a few months. While I am STOKED to see what the future hold for each of us, I sure will miss our sweet time all together.

I am currently 57% funded and am praying to be about 80% funded before I head over to Uganda. The Lord told us to be specific in our prayers, so I am praying towards 80%! If you are looking to donate or want to know more about my journey, you can email me at bdunay6@gmail.com If you would like to donate online, you can visit http://gogetfunding.com/user/Bdunay which also tells you more information. (it says I'm 53% funded, but it will soon be updated)

Thanks for reading! Happy Wednesday! 

let the countdown begin...

It is officially less than a month until I depart for my journey! On September 3rd I will be taking flight to London, visiting with my Daddio & Gillian for a few hours on my layover, then off to Kampala, Uganda! I just returned from a wonderful beach trip with some of my family and my mind was put on R&R mode most of the time. Now that I am 
back, it's go time!

First evening in OBX walking on the beach with my cousin Laura!

All of us (minus Shannon) at the dunes (=

Ice cream at the beach is a must!

Before I left for the beach I had to say my goodbyes to a good friend who left for Europe while I was gone. I have been preparing for Uganda since May, but this was my first step that truly struck home. While this brings on a range of emotions, I am slowly approaching the realness of my adventure. I catch myself letting sad feelings creep up when I'm in the moment (having dinner with my best friends, driving with my cousin, painting my little sisters' nails, word vomiting on my mom...) but I am quickly reminded of His promise:

" 'I tell you the truth', Jesus replied, 'no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother of father or children or fields FOR ME and the GOSPEL will fail to receieve a hundred times as much in this present age, and in the age to come, eternal life.' " 

Mark 10:29-30

If I were to be in the States any longer, He would have it. If I were to be spending the next few months at home, He would have it. But that's not His best for me. That's not His best for those I will soon meet in Uganda. That's not what He has prepared me for. While I met with Pastor Mitchell of Christ Community Church, I expressed prayer requests of adequacy and competency for what I will be doing in Uganda. He sweetly reminded me that the Lord has been preparing me for these treasures all along. The Holy Spirit will be my teacher and I am more prepared than I think.


I am currently 43% funded.  The Lord has been working in wonderful ways and moving supporters to donate and pray for me. My faith continues to be in the Lord and that He will provide. I confess that part of me has already sneakily devised a plan, seeing as how I am leaving in a few weeks:

1.) I'll contact a very generous supporter

2.) They'll donate a large sum of money that will cover most of what's left

3.) I'm good to go!

How much is the Lord laughing at me right now? That plan won't work because 1.) I thought of it (usually His plans are outside of my thoughts) and 2.) it robs others from the opportunity of supporting me. I know He will work through others and bless them abundantly!

I am currently finishing up an online donation site and will post it when it's ready! Now if you'll excuse me, I have to finish eating the leftover cookie dough off the mixer (= 

I wonder if I can bake in Uganda.. hm...