Sun Stand Still - Ashley's Journey

When you ask God to do the impossible, He usually instructs you to do something uncomfortable and inconvenient!

This summer as I have already announced I will be traveling to Africa. Bungoma,  Kenya to be exact, to teach learn and engage in conversation around environmental sustainability  and up until now I have not really been going as hard as should with fundraising. I have been dragging. I have had a ton of verbal commitments and I have frankly never raised money before. This experience has been humbling to say the least. I have done a lot of internal thinking which actually made me realize that people will like many pictures on instagram but they are not always willing to support you financially. Now this post isn't to complain but more for me to put into writing my frustrations and to solict ideas on how I can fundraise this money. 

the great things God will do through you are going to grow in the soil of persistence, prayer, obedience and sacrifice.  that means there will be plenty of plowing and pruning.  that’s the way living things grow, whether you’re talking about vegetables or vision.

Yesterday at work. I looked at some of my roughest students and talked to them about the world outside their 5 block radius. I shared with them that I would be traveling to Africa. Their faces were filled with excitement and confusion. I had to pull out a map and share with them where exactly Africa was. As we talked about the plane ride and who I would be traveling with and as I discussed with them the work that I would be doing, the heart breaking comment came from one boy saying. I will never be able to do, we ain't got that money, plus only rich people can do that. Man talk about heart breaking. Why does he think that? Because everything around him perpetuates the stereotype that if you are born in poverty the you will stay in poverty. I am committed to students like him. Engaging them and letting them know that there is a way out of all situations. This trip to Africa will allow me to grow in experience and be the real life example to him and all of the other students that believe that there is no way out. This trip is far bigger than me and my ego. It is my calling to lead by example and the afford others with the same opportunity. 

When you really understand God’s work in your, your natural desire will be to surrender your life to Him.  to obey Him unconditionally.  that posture of surrender will result in radical steps of faith, and a confidence that flows from a heart that’s fully devoted to God’s plans.

So will you commit today and express your belief in my journey? http://www.gofundme.com/75dz98

Unlimited Possibilities!!!!!

As you may be aware, I have been working toward my Master’s in Urban Studies and Youth Leadership Development for the past year. This summer, as a requirement for completing this program, I have the privilege of serving in Bungoma, Kenya from July 24-August 4, 2014 with an organization called BuildaBridge in Philadelphia. I am writing to ask for your support and prayers as I prepare for and embark upon this exciting endeavor.

BuildaBridge is a nonprofit arts education and intervention organization that engages the transformative power of the arts to bring hope and healing to children families, and communities in the tough places of the world. BuildaBridge spans barriers of race, class, faith and culture to promote holistic personal, family and community development. Committed to principles of love, compassion, justice, reconciliation and service to others, BuildaBridge motivates, enlists, trains and connects those with artistic gifts with those in greatest need.

Our main task will be to engage HIV positive orphans in education, art- making, evaluating their levels of resilience to trauma, and effectively teaching them basic life skills such as problem-solving and conflict resolution. Learning these skills will begin preparing these children for successful futures in their schools, relationships, and into adulthood. BuildaBridge envisions a world where all children are resilient, experience self-efficacy, and have a vision for their future. I share this vision and in order for me to participate in this trip, I must raise approximately $9,000. I also covet your prayers for safety, health, and team cohesion as we travel and work together.

Your donation will fund airfare, housing and food, in-land transportation, travel insurance, excursions, education, art and science supplies, and contributions to the local project development once we leave.

I ask that you return a check or money order made out to “BuildaBridge” with my name in the memo. You can send it to BuildaBridge’s address:  BuildaBridge, 205 W. Tulpehocken St, Philadelphia, PA 19144.  You may also go to www.buildabridge.org and click “DONATE NOW”.  Check the Global Artology category. Make sure you write my name in the “Dedicated To” section, otherwise it will be impossible to connect your donation to my account. (There is a 3% surcharge for online donations, so payment by check is preferred.) Please submit donations by June 10, 2014.

Your generosity and support are tremendously appreciated!

Blessings and Love,

Ashley Session