Many of you have figured out by the title of this blog, my team and I are now traveling to Guatemala in addition to Swaziland, Lesotho, India, Nepal, and Nicaragua!!! Instead of #5in9 it is now #6in9. Six countries in nine months and I couldn’t be more overjoyed about the extra country God has placed on our route!
Here’s why:
About 6 months ago as I started fundraising for The World Race, I secretly began putting money I earned from working in a folder under my bed so that I could go back to Guatemala again with my church in July. I leave for The World Race in September, just a few short months after. Guatemala has my heart and I so badly wanted to squeeze this mission trip in before heading off for the race. In my foolishness, I stopped to realize I needed to pray about whether or not Guatemala was in God’s plans for me this year. I was a little bummed out after a week of prayer, because I found out my training camp for The World Race is the same week as my church’s mission trip to Guatemala. Quickly, I got over this sorrow, understanding that I have to find joy in wherever the Lord is calling me to go serve. I began to realize that this is 0% about me and my desires and more than 100% about the Kingdom of God. He convicted me in my selfishness.
I learned that serving selflessly was what it’s all about and He transformed my heart in such a short period of time! Now I will go anywhere for His glory. BUT, He’s a God of generosity, mercy, grace, and perfect, perfect plans. Today I received an email that my team will now be going to a 6th country. GUATEMALA! I’m stunned, shocked and overjoyed to go back. I was not anticipating going back to Guatemala anytime soon, but that’s how cool of a God He is. He blesses our obedience and He knew July was not the right time for me to go back. Although He could provide the funds in a SPLIT SECOND for me to go back this July, His timing is perfect and on top of that; I don’t have to worry about raising an extra $1,800. Who am I to ever question the plans of the maker of the heavens and the earth?!
All along the Lord knew what He was doing (of course). All along Guatemala was in His plan. All along He wanted, not only me, but my team there. BUT, He taught me a great lesson in the midst of this and my faith grew like CRAZY. I am deeply in love with the Lord; not because I’m able to go to a country I love now, but because He constantly amazes me, because He is who He is, because He pulled me out of the darkest time in my life and He saved me.
My life is His.
Acts 20:22-24 “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the LORD Jesus has given me-the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.”
With so much JOY and love, XOXO,
Annie Bolick
