I’M 20 DAYS AWAY! And with that being said, I thought I should give an update about where I’ll be going, what I’ll be doing and how I’ve been preparing.
So, here is the plan (subject to change at any point of my trip):
Jan. 23-26: Training Camp in Atlanta, Georgia. I will meet and get to know my squad members and learn everything I need to know before I leave.
The first three weeks: CICRIN Orphanage on Ometepe Island, Nicaragua. I will be staying on an island with two volcanos in the middle of a huge lake in the middle of Nicaragua. (I find this super cool.) I will help in a multitude of ways, including: working with the Christian school, serving in the cafeteria, serving with the chores around the home, kids’ programs, planting in the garden, prayer walking, and house visits. (I find this even cooler.) I will be staying with my entire squad on a base close to the orphanage home with my entire squad (17 other amazing people).
The second three weeks: 516 NOW Inc in Palacaguina, Nicaragua. I will be helping with construction projects, teaching kids in schools, evangelism, painting, Vacation Bible School activities with local kids, and worship at local churches. I will be staying with 8 of my squad members (who are called my team members- think of squad as an extended family and team as an intimate family). We will be staying in bunk bed dorm-style living.
The last six weeks: Generation Centroamerica in Chichicastenango, Guatemala. My ministry will primarily consist of kids & youth ministry, community outreach, preaching/teaching in local schools, soccer ministry, and construction. I will be staying with my team (8 others) and sleeping in the local church.
How have I prepared:
I often get two questions when I say I am leaving soon: “Are you nervous?” “Yes.” “Are you excited?” “YES”
I am nervous to go because ministry is so important. Without a person sharing the word in an accurate and welcoming way, people aren’t saved. It is so important that every action I do reflects Christ and every word is similar to the words Christ would say in the same situation. I truly believe God will do amazing things through my squad and me but I also want to make sure I am doing all I can to share the gospel. I am also quite nervous because I do not have an exact plan after this. I am asking God to open my eyes and ears on this trip to show me where He will call me after this.
I am so excited at the same time. I eagerly count down the days. I sometimes get so excited that I literally jump for joy (it is quite funny). I have always felt a call towards international ministry and now God is leading me to that. I feel as if I was a dog on a leash and God kept telling me to “wait” and now He is finally saying “Go” as He lets me off my leash. I can not wait to learn, grow and see what God wants me to see.
I have been preparing by:
- spending time with the Lord daily
- reading the entire Bible
- praying a lot
- reading “Radical” by David Platt (highly recommend)
- being (mostly) packed
- putting in my two weeks at my job
I am eager to go and so excited to share with all of you what God teaches me along this journey.
Thanks for reading and thank you for your support. I will always appreciate any prayers while I am gone! I will be sending out a blog on how to contact me while I am gone before I leave!
God’s call defines where we go, not if we go. So, go. Be the light today and every day.
Blessings,
Brooke 🙂
