I honestly still can’t believe this is happening. Me? Going to live out of a backpack for 11 months? The girl who loves MAC mascara and hates camping. It’s crazy to think what new creation the Sprit of God makes us into. I’ve pretty much been thinking about the trip non-stop since I found out I was going. My mind literally races through all the unknowns and adventures. While I’ve never done anything like this before I have learned to expect great things from God.
1. I expect to intimately know the Spirit of God. I will learn to shut up for a moment and allow the Spirit to lead and speak. My backgound doesn’t really emphasize the Spirit but the Word makes it clear that he is a a force to be reckoned with and he is FOR us. My God is NOT dead.
“If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he gill give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth.” John 14:15-16
“But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative–that is, the Holy Spirit-he will teach you everything and will remind you of everyting I have told you.” John 4:26
“But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s judgement.” John 16:7
2. I am hopeful that I will see how men and women will serve equally and yet differently for His kingdom. Honestly I have been super confused about what role women play in church, life, and scripture so I hope this trip provides some insight.
3. WOOHOO I will finally see what church looks like outside of America!! Paul was always warning churches to gaurd against being swayed by cultural norms and I want to see different ways of worship, service, and community. Yes!
4. I expect to love and move mountains with my squad. I cannot wait to travel, sing, eat, laugh, worship, serve, and sometimes disagree with you. Is it weird that I love you so much already? Whatever.
5. I expect to learn how to get by without all my stuff. I already feel as if I am drowning in the stuff I own. I just want to learn to live simply.
6. I expect to see God change lives. We will heal the sick, perhaps cast out demons, pray for captives all because of the love of Jesus. I really hope that I learn to live and speak with boldness so that I can proclaim Jesus anywhere I decide to live doing whatever I decide to do. He isn’t just on the race you know.
7. I expect to encounter and rest in His love for me.
This list keeps changing and I know that there is no way to comprehend the difficult challenges or incomprehensible joy I will meet on this race so stay tuned folks!
