We were asked to write a blog about how we felt before leaving on this mission trip. Here is what I’m expecting…
Well, since we already went to training camp and literally burned our expectations for this trip, I feel like I have fewer expectations than I would have before the trip. Plus, we know relatively little about our trips- what we will be doing, where we will be staying, etc.- especially those of us going to Uganda, a new location for this program, so I don’t have a lot to base my expectations on. I will, however, share a few expectations and other concerns or prayer requests that I do have.
Truly, my only expectations for this trip at this point are to go to Uganda and to see and experience God in new and different ways, and that I would receive that with an open heart. I expect God to show up and bless us with His presence so that my team and I might see Him working in each other and ourselves and through us to bless those around us. I expect God to carry out His plan for us and to guide us as He sees fit. If all of that happens, I will consider the trip a success and be completely satisfied with the time I spend pursuing Him through missions this year.
I do have a few concerns, though. First, I am concerned about food. Although I’m not a picky eater, I’m not very good at all with trying exotic foods. Although I am excited to be adventurous, I am uncomfortable with the ideas of trying some crazy things. Please pray that I would be able to daily surrender that to God so that it would not become a stumbling block to me and my ministry (because, as I have heard many times now, impolite refusals to eat exotic foods prepared for us can destroy partnerships with some ministry partners). I am also concerned slightly with the possibility of not having personal time to ourselves, for various reasons. When I get stressed and annoyed, I need to take time away from people and just chill, but I may not have that opportunity all the time. Please pray for my patience with my teammates and in general and that I would not speak out of frustration to anyone on this trip, but out of love. Finally, I would ask you to pray that Satan would not be able to find a foothold to attach himself to within our family (team) in any area of our ministry- to each other and to those we come into contact with.
After training camp, I am very excited to go on this trip. I was apprehensive before I went to Atlanta/Gainesville, but all of that has changed. I love the entire group going, but especially my family- John, Tara, Jenessa, and Jess- and I can’t wait to spend eight months with them. I am not thrilled about leaving friends and family for so long and missing things like Christmas and my sister, Laura’s, sixteenth birthday. I trust God, though, to preserve those relationships as He forms new ones in my life.
Thanks again for all of your prayers and support! They are greatly appreciated.
