There’s something about this year for me, something strong that is inviting me, imploring me, pushing me, even daring me to SHOW UP.
2014 doesn’t feel like one of those years I can kick back with my feet up and just see what happens. This year is asking for much for than that. I could easily set SHOWING UP aside for next year, or the year after that… but the time when I push off big challenging life things for future years is long gone. There’s just no time for that. This year is asking me to get out of my box, get out of my comfort zone, and to be present in all of it.
I like what this year is asking of me, and by ‘like’ I mean that my eyes are extra wide and I’m a little (a lot) nervous.
SHOWING UP is a choice. It’s a bold choice. It takes guts. In my experience, SHOWING UP can be accompanied by feelings of self-doubt. Fear inspired self-doubt… the most annoying kind. Feeling like: Who do I think I am? Do I really have enough to offer? Do I have enough faith? Do I have the right words? Is there enough kindness in my heart? The answer is YES of course! I am everything I need to be. I am are enough. I am SHOWING UP! That’s it. And where I show weaknesses, God steps in and is like.. BOOM! Thank heaven for that.
My first exercise in SHOWING UP this year involves a long plane ride and a few vaccinations. All next week I’ll be in Uganda with Compassion International. Compassion is a Christian organization that works through churches to support children and families living in poverty. It’s an organization I’ve supported for years and I really believe in the work that they do. I’ve got my passport, my camera, and my heart (I’m totally going to need that) and I get to connect with super cute kids and learn about how they live. I’ll be blogging about my experiences in Uganda all next week and I’m really excited to share with you. There will also be regular food posts next week, because I know that we’re a hungry bunch, but Compassion is important to me and I thank you for being a part of this experience with me. Thank you for your encouragement, support, and prayers. You are amazing. SHOWING UP: Uganda.
Fellow bloggers in Uganda include: The Nester, Emily from Chatting at the Sky, Jeff Goins, Bri McKoy, and Shaun Groves. We’re all on this adventure together and our goal is to get 400 new children sponsored. We’re in it!
How are you SHOWING UP this year? Let’s be big and great in all the ways we live.
Emily @ Life on Food
I hope you have a good time and learn and see a lot. My brother just left Uganda after living in Kampala for 2 years.
Faith Kathleen
Aaaand tears. Thank you for this, Joy. These are words I needed to hear.
-Faith
Amy
This is awesome. I can’t wait to read about your experience. I love how you’re so candid about your faith in action. I’ll be praying for you next week!
Charlotte
so glad you’re taking the step and showing up! god is going to honor your faithfulness and use you to encourage others. don’t be shy about sharing your heart and his word! you rock.
kayla
What an awesome opportunity! My prayers are with you, safe travels!
Megsiemay
Joy! Uganda is awesome. I went with my church to work with Watoto in 2011. And I’ve been to Ethiopia with Compassion in 2012. That organization is stellar. You will be forever changed! Can’t wait to hear about your trip!
TaylorMay
Joy, thanks so much for having the courage to show up, and post about it too!
Just started sponsoring a new child this year, and my past experiences with Compassion have been just truly awesome.. what an exciting and clarifying journey you’ll no doubt have!
I’ll be sending prayers up on your behalf.
Amber
Joy, I lived in Kenya for a few years and was lucky enough to visit Uganda for a few days. It was incredible! Try to eat something with delicious ground nut sauce on top. It will change your life! Africa is amazing, it will break your heart and fill you will more love than you can imagine all at the same time. Enjoy your trip!
Miss Sophisticate
It’s always so amazing to give back. It’s even more wonderful when you’re the one who will be gaining so much in return! Inspiring post, Joy!
Heidi
God Bless in your work and travels. The overseas mission trips I’ve done have been some of the best experiences of my life. Life changing, heart-breaking experiences but full of those Big teachable moments where I actually stepped back from what I thought was so first-world important into the real substance of life.
Aimee Wimbush-Bourque
This. is. so. awesome. I’m so proud of you. I remember you and Tsh having a little talk about this over brunch when we were in Vegas. What you said made sense, but this makes way more sense! I’m every so impressed with your motto to show up. Have fun. Safe travels. We will be reading along and being inspired.
Stephanie H
Thank you for inspiring me. I needed to read this today and I am loking into going on a medical mission trip. I have been saying for years I want to do that. I think you have given me the courage I need to finally do it. Thanks
Amanda @ Once Upon a Recipe
i’m inspired! have an amazing trip!
Heather @ The Soulful Spoon
Joy, I NEEDED to read this today. This year is the year I want to make LIFE happen. I turn 30 on New Year’s Eve this year, and I’ve promised myself this is the year I’ll move to NYC and make my dream of writing happen before I’m 30, and watch the ball drop in Times Square with a new light in my eyes. THANK YOU for this post. While our dreams aren’t the same, our perspectives are.
Fear of failing, fear of showing up, fear of the unknown, and fear of BEING enough have all kept me from just DOING it. Thank you for inspiring me. You are amazing!
I will be praying for you as you are in Uganda next week. YOU HAVE A BIG MISSION and are such an inspiration to me, more than you could know. Your posts always bring so much light into my heart. I hope you have a beautiful time and ENJOY the ride!
Cheers to making life happen in 2014!!<3
Heather McClees