We were asked to write a blog about how we felt before leaving on this mission trip. Here is what I’m expecting…
The thing I am expecting most is to be changed. I am thrilled to be a part of this trip. I feel a strong peace about going and cannot wait to see specifically how God will use me on this trip!
As I continue preparations, the trip becomes more real and less scary. So far, I have begun to raise support, gotten all of my shots, and started gathering all of the supplies I will need while I am there. With each step, I grow more excited about January…it’s less than four months away now!!
I am most nervous about seeing what the living conditions will be while there. While I am willing to give up physical comfort, I am trying to be realistic about the difficulty of that. Just the culture shock alone will be hard…I’ve never even been to Africa; now I’m moving there for seven months! I am also nervous about the emotional difficulty that will occur because of the things I will see. I feel very called to orphan care, but recognize that it can be heart-breaking work.
I am praying that God unifies my team and allows us to work together well. I am also praying for opportunities to reach people with the Gospel and for the ability to form relationships with those I come in contact with.
Some specific verses that come to mind for this trip are:
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever. Amen. –Ephesians 3:20-21
“If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'” – John 7:37-38
