30 days until my 30th birthday: 30 day challenge

Over the past year, as my 30th birthday loomed in the not-to-distant future, I began to think about how I'd like to celebrate my 30 years of being alive. I mean, 30 seems like a pretty big deal, so I knew I wanted to do something special and significant in honor of this momentous occasion. At first, I wasn't sure what that meant, but then it came to me...

Some time ago, I came across a blog of an ordinary woman, who was doing something extraordinary. Her name is Kristen, and after traveling to Africa with Compassion International, she was led to open a maternity house for pregnant girls in Kenya. My heart has been touched by the story of Mercy House, and that of Kristen, and Maureen who runs the house, and the young girls and their babies who now call Mercy House home.

I knew that this year, instead of receiving gifts for myself, I wanted my family and close friends to give to Mercy House instead. Then, I decided to take it one step further. I don't have 30 people who would normally buy me gifts for my birthday, so I am going to issue a challenge. Starting today, I am beginning a challenge to see if I can get at least 30 people, to give at least $30, during the 30 days leading up to my 30th birthday!

To give a one-time gift, go to http://www.mercyhousekenya.org/help/give/one-time and click donate. In the "Purpose" blank, please type that it's for my birthday! :) Or you can mail donations to

The Mercy House

8000 Research Forest Dr Ste. 115-110

Spring, TX 77382

You can also choose to become a monthly donor or choose to give $3 on the 3rd of every month!

Also, be sure to check out The Mercy Shop for unique gifts. The best part? 100% of the proceeds benefit Mercy House

Thank you in advance to everyone who chooses to participate. I am very excited about the difference we will be making in the lives of these precious girls and their babies!