As I get closer to launch it is filled with times with friends and family, final days of work and the checking off of lists. Let me tell you… living out of a backpack is not cheap especially when you haven't ever done that before!
Computer.. check
Clothes/tent/sleeping pad… check
Camera…check
phone/iPod… check
When I stop and look at it all I get this weird sense of guilt for all of this "stuff" that I am bringing. I know that each has a purpose…especially the clothes (no one wants to see a group of 40 sharing the gospel naked).
I don't want this to look like a vacation to me…I want to go without, I want to live simply without the distractions of internet and TV. I am so excited to live among the people I will meet and experience how they live life! I'm excited to not know what my next meal will be (and whether it has 8 legs) or when I will be able to properly shower. I don't want to have expectations about what I will be doing, I want simply just to go!
I'm excited to answer the question of whom shall I send with send me!
We got an email yesterday about our route changing.. our first 3 countries are no longer Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda. They are now….
drum roll please!
South Africa, Swaziland and Mozambique!!
As I am sad to not go to Uganda I am so excited about this new adventure that the Lord is creating! I am excited about the new challenges and struggles that my team and I will come across. One of my squad mates David Towns put it perfectly when he said..
"As countries and plans change leading up to this trip it just reminds me of Jesus and his disciples. He didn't give them the exact schedule in advance. He just said "follow me."… God just wants us to say yes to him regardless of what the instructions are!… So I am beyond excited to go to whatever country we end up in. Who needs details anyway?"
Who needs the details when we are called simply to go!
Isaiah 6:8-10
Bring on South Africa!
So here is to new adventures and the breaking of expectations, Thank you everyone for the continued prayer and support!
Hanna
Consider adopting my team (Xuberant Joy) in prayer as we prepare for launch and while we are out on the field!
