April-June Update
 As anxious as I am to return back to Botswana, I have really been enjoying this time in the States. It's been so refreshing to visit with friends, and especially spend time with my family. As I mentioned in my previous newsletter, my sister was married in May, and I'm so grateful that I was able to be present for all of the special moments surrounding that event, like planning her bridal shower and delivering the maid-of-honor speech at her reception.
In June I held a special reception for my supporters in Denver. It was great to be able to personally say ke a leboga (thank you in Setswana) to them for their support and prayers, as well as update them on my work in Africa.
I've been keeping myself busy the past few months connecting with pastors and churches, mostly in Denver and San Diego. I've enjoyed the opportunity to share about the work I'm doing in Africa and it's been a blessing to see and hear about what God is doing in their churches and ministries as well. I'll continue to visit with more churches and pastors in the coming months until I return to Botswana in October as God opens the doors.
A Message of Hope
One of my favorite things I've done since I've been a missionary in Africa was getting to address an entire freshman class of high school students on the topic of abstinence. We were contacted to speak to these students because a large number of them are HIV positive. It was an amazing outreach, and out of this opportunity, a God-inspired idea was born.
 Teaming up with couture jewelry designer Maria Ruggieri, of Ti Adoro Jewelry, I plan to travel back to Botswana this fall to launch a fresh new abstinence initiative, a program designed to educate students about the emotional, physical (HIV) and psychological consequences of sexual promiscuity. Maria has designed bracelets for us which will be given to students who go through this program and make a commitment to abstain from sexual promiscuity and save themselves for marriage.
My hope is that this bracelet will serve as a powerful symbol of purity. My message is to simply make the youth of Botswana aware that they have a choice, not only to avoid the further spreading of this terrible disease that ravages their country, but to become something more - the valuable person God created them to be. I want to challenge them to believe that they are not too young or obscure or unnoticeable to begin a new legacy for their future families, and ultimately, for the destiny of their country.
I am very excited about this endeavor, and I would like to extend an opportunity for you to partner with me in spreading this message. Please click here to read more about this project and to find out how you can get involved.
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