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!
