Love on.

Last year I was a real slacker when it comes to reading. It is only April 29th and I've already read as many books this year as I did in all of last year. I feel like I've finally found a really good reading pace. I'm not forcing myself to read, but I'm also not feeling like I should be reading more. Two or three books a month feels perfect. The books I've read so far in 2013 have ranged from autobiographical to creepy thrillers. I will say that I haven't read a book so far this year that I've really loved. I've read some that have kept me entertained and some that I've struggled to finish, but nothing I'm raving about. So, as always, feel free to pass on any book recommendations you think I might enjoy.

If you've read my blog in the past you know a few things about me:

1. I'm not very good about regular blogging.
2. I like to read.
3. I like to make lists.
4. Most of those lists are resolutions.

I gave myself some REALLY easy resolutions this year.

Run for fun. Read for fun. Show more love. Plan a trip somewhere I've never been before.

Well... the list of places I've never been is pretty long, but I have something exciting to tell you! I'm going to Africa! More specifically I'm going to Malawi. It is located in the Southeast of Africa, right next to Mozambique and Zambia. It is a beautiful country with warmhearted people. It is also an incredibly poor country. With an economy based mostly on agriculture, about 65% of the population lives under the poverty line.

While going somewhere new is exciting, this is not a vacation. As some of you may know, my amazing boyfriend Brian works for an organization called Children of the Nations. They work within Uganda, Sierra Leone, Malawi, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic to raise children who will transform nations. They do this through partnerships with villages as well as children's homes. These are children who without COTN wouldn't have a chance to survive. COTN gives these children a roof over their heads, food to eat, clean water to drink, as well as an education. These are things that we take for granted everyday.

This trip will check off two really big resolutions. I can't wait to experience a completely different culture at the same time I'm also showing love to children who don't receive enough of it.

This trip will challenge me in a number of ways. Traveling to new places always takes you out of your comfort zone, but I've never been this far out of my zone!!! I will also have to receive several vaccinations, I'm not even sure how many yet. The hardest part will be raising the money necessary to go on a trip like this. Fundraising is something I haven't had to do since my days slinging cookies in a Brownie's uniform. The more people I talk to about the process the more relaxed I get. A mission trip like this is not for everyone, but most people would like to support the cause in some way. That could be by donating supplies, sponsoring a child or donating money. The most important thing is that people hear about the amazing work COTN is doing.

While I'm excited to meet all of the children, I'm most excited to get the opportunity to meet this little guy!

Mphatso is the little boy I sponsor. He lives in the village of Mgwayi. He and I share a birthday.... which is a pretty big deal because I don't share my birthday with just anyone.

If you'd like to hear more about my trip or about ways that you can contribute to Children of the Nations email me at ehmichelson@yahoo.com