We were asked to write a blog about our expectations of our trip and to some extent, I can sum my expectations up in a simple sentence. I expect to be awed, changed, and humbled by the greatness of God and the love of His Children.
To be more specific, I feel that expectations are always hard to consider. One reason is that I feel sometimes I don't set my expectations high enough. I put God in a box saying, "Oh, He can't do that," or "That is too much for Him to do." Sometimes I dream big and expect big, only to be told by others that I need to lower my expectations so I am not disappointed. However, I have learned that we serve a big God that can do great things. He holds the universe in His hands and is wiling that none should perish so why should I not expect that God would want to do great things. I think God is waiting for us to simply ask Him to pour out His power and show us His greatness. He is waiting for us to stop putting Him in a neat little box and instead be willing to get messy and be specific about making bold requests before His throne. So I am setting my expectations high for this trip. I am expecting God to do awesome things. I am asking Him to do awesome things. I am asking Him to change my life-to break down my pride and give me direction for my future. To give me greater passion for His gospel and the message of His son. I am expecting that He will answer that prayer a thousand times over. I am also expecting to meet people who will forever be written on my heart. People that will change me and challenge me in my thinking and my actions. Whether these people are members of my team or people from Swaziland-I have no doubt that at the end of it all, there will be tears shed when saying good bye. I am praying and asking for souls to be saved. I know that even if I never see the people I meet on this earth, I can look forward to a day when I will re-unite with them in a Heavenly home for all eternity. I am asking God to do great things in Swaziland through our team. To save orphans, to provide hope, love, and compassion. To give each member of my team focus and love for the people we will be serving. To be joyful in suffering and in discomfort. To be willing to sacrifice and be vulernable with each other. And at the end of it all, to come home with a greater understanding of who God is and how He desires to work through us. I cannot wait for this trip and I cannot wait to see all that God is going to do!
