Bring Em' Home: His Timing

Dear Friends of the Ribben's Family,

I'm a friend of Sara and Andy's and I've been given the privilege and permission to post here tonight in Sara's place.

I could launch into a really long story here. I could tell you how I first became acquainted with Sara in September of 2010 when she and Andy stepped out in faith to host a fundraiser for our ministry. I could tell you how we maintained our stateside friendship for many months -- and then later spent time together in Uganda. I could tell you about the many ways their story has inspired me. I could tell you how their story has challenged and stretched my faith. I could even tell you about how they've made the most of their time in Uganda by serving and blessing our family's ministry... as well as countless others.

But the truth is, I could be anybody. Because the Ribben's family has literally touched thousands of lives over the last twelve months. They've blessed and inspired and challenged all of us. They've loved us and encouraged us, even from afar.

Their willingness to fight for their daughter and to give up everything for one, single child... well, they've made a serious dent in most of our hearts. They've taught us all a thing or two about faith. And they've demonstrated love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentless and self control... even in the midst of some incredibly trying circumstances.

Friends, now it's time to bless them back.

The rulings are done. The paperwork is complete. The visas and passports are in hand. Sara and the kids are scheduled to fly out of Uganda tomorrow night. But guess what? Their plane tickets expired... TODAY.

They missed their window by only 24 hours and had to purchase new plane tickets. And they were expensive. To the tune of $4300. The family also incurred a number of other expenses related to this short delay. For a total of about $6500.

And this is where we come in.

God's timing is perfect. Although He's never late, He's rarely early. It's clear to me that He intended for those tickets to expire because He had a greater, grander plan. And now we have a chance to be part of it.

If you'd like to contribute to the Ribben's expenses, including their plane tickets and other expenses incurred during these last two, unexpected months in Uganda, please donate by using the Paypal button in the sidebar.

There are no prizes or giveaways associated with this post. Except the satisfaction and joy that comes from being part of a big, fanstastic God story. Friends, please give and give generously -- let's bring em' home.

Please contact Shelly, Esty, Lara, Joy or Colleen with questions. Just comment anywhere on our blogs -- we'll see it.