In just over 36 hours, I will land in Chicago, where I will spend a couple days with my squad before launching to Guatemala. I’ve been a mess of emotions the past few days weeks as I prepare to leave.
Thankful
Thankful for a weekend full of fun with some of my family- pinochle, homemade pizza, outlet shopping, hotels, swimming, canoeing, walking around Philly
Thankful for friends/ family who call/text to tell me they are praying for me.
Thankful for supporters who have put me so close to being fully funded.
Thankful for my church, their amazing support, and praying for me after church last Sunday
Excited
Excited to see my squad again and get closer to the women on my team.
Excited to start ministering in Guatemala.
Excited to live in community.
Excited to fully rely on God, because that is what I have to do!
Afraid
Afraid of the bugs, snakes, and lizards I will come across (I am NOT an animal person)
Afraid of the foods I will have to eat
Afraid of living in community
Afraid of opening up.
Desire
Desire to love as Christ loves- those at ministry sites and my squad
Desire to be broken, becoming fully dependent on God
Desire to open up and create long, lasting friendships
Desire to see God work in ways I could not even imagine.
Sadness
Sad to leave my amazing family
Sad to leave my awesome friends
Sad to miss out on family events/ holidays
Worry
Worry that something will happen to my family while I’m away
Worry that I won’t fit in
Worry that I won’t be able to finish
Worry that I won’t be able to share His love adequately
So, basically, I’ve been a mess of emotions, even if I don’t show them on the outside. Definitely a mess. But the other day, I heard a quote on the radio that stuck with me:
“God can make my mess His message.”
So, as I finish up last-minute details tomorrow, cry on my flight to Chicago, spend time with my squad, and then head out to Guatemala, I’m praying that God will make my mess His message, so that His love is spread.
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Prayer requests:
- Safety to Chicago on Wednesday morning
- Quality squad/team bonding time in Chicago
- Our ministries in Guatemala
- Agape in Action- My entire squad will be living together for our first month of ministry! We will be in different locations throughout the day, but we will all come back to the same place in the evenings. We will sleep in tents in a fenced in compound right outside of the ministry site of Agape in Action located in Santa Cruz del Quiche, Guatemala. The mission of Agape in Action is to serve the indigenous Mayans in the mountainous Quiche’ province of the Central Highlands by caring for their physical, spiritual, and emotional needs.
- Health for our squad as we adjust to a new schedule and environment.
- That any homesickness will not affect my ministry or relationship with my team, but will bring me closer to God.
- Me to be open with my team and build relationships quickly.
