About My Trip

As of right now, I do not have all of the information that would make me feel fully comfortable on this trip. But, the more I think about it, the more I wonder if that is a good thing.

I often have a need for control and feel uncomfortable or out of place without it. I think God wants me to view this not as an annoyance but an opportunity to truly trust Him with everything that I have.

I don't have an exact schedule, but maybe God will use the uncertainty and extra time we may have to further push us towards Him and to pull others along with us.

I am not fully sure about what to pack for the weather and activities we will encounter, but maybe God wants me to see how He can use even the small things (like what clothes I end up packing) and turn that for His good and His glory.

I have no control over what I will do in this foreign country or what will be needed for the people we meet, but maybe God will use this to teach me how to find His true joy in any circumstance.

Reading this back I realize that I am making myself sound reluctant to go on this trip, but it is quite the opposite. Even though I do not know much information for this trip, I am really excited to see what God will do in and through me. I am also looking forward to strengthening existing friendships within the team and forming new ones as we experience and navigate these things together.

I am, however, still worried about the flights. I've never flown over as much water as there is in the Atlantic ocean! Last summer, I flew to Costa Rica over the Gulf, sitting next to a total stranger, after having not flown since I was little. But somehow, this flight feels so much different, mainly because I am going somewhere so much further.

Throughout my preparation, one verse keeps coming to mind: Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."

What I find the most crazy and mind-blowing about this verse is that Paul wrote it while sitting in a prison cell. He had been arrested for his ministry and is still saying that God allows him to accomplish "all things" and that Jesus is his secret for peace that surpasses understanding.

I pray that Paul's attitude can be present in me while on this trip and stronger still when I get back.

Overall, I am excited to see how God will use these experiences and activities to strengthen my relationship with Him and others!!