Dear Friends,

I have some exciting news to share, so make sure you are sitting down -- unless of course, you have been snooping into my life and already know that I will be moving to La Côte d’Ivoire to be a missionary with
WorldVenture for one year. Before you flip, let me explain my journey.

1. Christmas Break: I had no clue where to go, so I thought I'd visit my friends in Denver. I just remembered that near my host was the mission with which I had once looking into to teach French at an
international missionary kids' school. Nothing ever worked out back then, but
I’ve stayed in contact, so I decided to drop in. A series of 'coincidences'
later, I found out about Journey Corps (find out for yourself: www.myjourneycorps.com).

2. January: Even though teaching French to newbie missionaries sounded like fun, what is a Wake Forest Education Master's graduate student doing thinking about moving to Côte d’Ivoire?!?! I
have so worked so hard on my career, my friends, my life path. That is too much
to sacrifice at this point in my life. But when isn't that too much to
sacrifice? When is it too late to live abroad for a year? When would I not have
things tying me to the States? Anxious conversations, fitful nights, internal
debates.

3. February 18: Two members of Journey Corps were nearby for a mission conference and suggest having dinner. I compiled questions, comments, anxieties, etc. to bring up with them, so that I would
better understand what I'm getting myself into. As we talked, I asked myself, Who wouldn't want to have an experience teaching French in a French-speaking country, be a part of the first leadership
team to undertake this new conceptual design, travel around Africa, and learn
African culture while sharing one’s faith? In fact, the skills that I have (speaking French, leading, administration, teaching, hospitality, creating fun) match perfectly with what they need me to do. Unlike the business world, it's
not how I can squeeze into the job, but how I can use what I love to do to benefit JourneyCorps.

4. April: My focus is now on preparation – packing/selling/moving, writing curriculum for the journeyers I will be teaching, seeing friends before I ship off for my year in Africa, and, of course, seeking support from people like you.

5. By July: Prayer and emotional support are essential. If God calls you to support me financially, as well, sweet! To take care of everything I need -- from ministry resources to rice and beans -- for the entire year, I need to raise $30,000 by July. En plus, I would be thrilled if you arrange for me to present my mission to your church. You may make tax-deductible donations online at www.worldventure.com or send a check to 1501 W. Mineral Ave., Littleton, C0 80210 (checks are preferred, payable to WorldVenture with an attached note including my name and my account number #6154-771), one time or monthly, as you wish.

6. Late Summer: WorldVenture is planning for the first of journeyers to arrive en Côte d’Ivoire in September. We will be living in the former missionary school, International Christian Academy, which was taken over
by the French military during the civil war. As a part of the leadership team,
my responsibility is primarily to help the journeyers to become local
missionaries, but I will certainly find other things to keep me busy! Keep in
touch by sending encouraging emails and care packages, and commenting on my
blog (and keep me accountable to writing it!) at myjourneycorps.com/profile/RebekahBray.

Prayer Requests:

-logistical and organizational wisdom

-an excellent conclusion to grad school

-full support raised in July

-political stability in Côte d’Ivoire

-prepared hearts in Côte d’Ivoire

-safety, servant hearts, and gospel community for the leaders and members of JourneyCorps

-wisdom, delight, and blessing in my ministry

-quick and full cultural adaptation

Love, Peace, and Blessings to all of you, my dearests,

Rebekah Bray

bray.rebekah@gmail.com

Matthew 16:25