We were asked to write a blog about how we feel before leaving on this mission trip. Here is what I’m expecting:
Oh boy. I can’t even imagine past the end of October let alone the end of May, but I’ll do my best.
How I’m feeling: I’m excited, obviously. I’m running directly for a door that has a sign on it cautioning that if I enter, my life will change forever. Wow. I’m looking forward to that. I think if I let myself think about how exciting it is right now, I wouldn’t sleep from now until I get there, and then I still might not, so I won’t let myself think too hard, but I have to say, excited is not quite a strong enough word for how I feel when I think about the fact that I get to spend two months loving people, letting God use me to change their lives, and letting God change mine, not to mention this will all be happening in Africa.
I have to admit, if I let myself think about it, I am quite nervous as well. Fortunately, I don’t have to worry about the possibility of not getting along with anyone on the team because everyone seems so great! But, I am a little worried about being able to raise the money and get the support I need. I am also nervous about immunizations. I’m a huge baby when it comes to getting shots.
You could all definitely pray that funds would come in. At the moment, it seems all the money I have is going towards schools, and I have no choice right now but to trust God, so pray that I will do exactly that. Also please pray that my focus would be on Him, my priorities would be in place, and I’d have His heart.
The only thing that I can think of that may be keeping me from reaching my full potential is skepticism. I find that when God’s about to really move in my life I tend to withdraw and get skeptical about everything and everyone, so that’s another thing that you can pray for.
I hope that God will completely reshape my heart during this trip. I hope that He will teach me to love as He has loved, I hope that He’ll teach me selflessness, but not false selflessness – a complete and utter self-forgetfulness, that I would completely disregard my needs and desires so that I can better serve and love others. I hope to see the children of Swaziland realize that they are loved and that they are the treasured possession of their amazing Father in Heaven. I hope that I will never be the same after this trip.
Oh, and of course, I’m completely stoked to meet you all!
Kelly! I’m so excited for you and the loving revolution God is going to have in your life. I know for a fact your life will never be the same after this trip, and as you said that is exciting. All us here can’t wait to meet you and we are praying for you!
Barton Girdwood
Admissions Department
I am soo excited to meet all you of as well! The reason you dont recognize my name is because I’m in the 2-week process of getting all my paperwork together and sending it off here soon!
I am so blessed to read about your Expectations. I think we all hope to never be the same after spending 2 months in Africa…yet, one of the poorest countries. I’m so excited for all of you and think about you all the time!!
God Bless….
I’ll be praying!! And don’t be too afraid..I’ve already had 4 shots and honestly, only one hurt..and I think it was because the girl just didn’t pinch enough skin to put it in 😛 No worries!
oh i’m so excited too!! i know what its like to be worrying about the money…its a huge part but at the same time, God provides in amazing ways! if God’s led you to this trip, He’ll get you there 🙂 i’ll be praying for you for sure!
I am a baby about shots too:) But I am super excited. I can’t wait for May! It’s going to a long six months..but I am glad that I am not the only one who is getting stoked! God is going to do great things! Praying for you!
Wow, i am wicked excited too! and i have also had problems with easily getting skeptical so i will definitely be praying for you. i really liked what you said about false selflessness, that’s pretty easy to have and my prayer is that we will all be truely selfless like you said…