Expectations about the trip

We were asked to write a blog about how we felt before leaving on this mission trip.  Here is what I’m expecting…

 

“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:29

 

I’m expecting to see things I have only read about, or heard
about, or dreamed about, but still believed.  I’m expecting to be
knocked off my feet and forever changed by this trip.

 

“Blessed is he who considers the poor; the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble.” Psalm 41:1

 

I’m expecting to feel such a sense of gratitude helping people who
are less fortunate than we are.  I’m expecting to fall in love with the
people we meet in each country we go to, and that alone will be such a
blessing!  I’m expecting to come home with a different perspective, and
a new found passion for helping people in other countries.

“Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to
be seen by them.  Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in
heaven.” Matthew 6:1

 

I’m worried about telling people about what we are going to be
doing, for fear that any of God’s glory will go to me or my husband.  I
want the world to know that it is God who is sending me on this trip,
and that every good work I do is from Him and through Him and for Him.

“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Cor 13:13

 

I’m hoping to show God’s love to people all over the world the way
He has loved me.  I want to declare God’s love to every one of His
children, to proclaim it at the top of my lungs!  I want to leave each
country knowing that I have helped at least one person to see how much
God loves us.

 

“Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.” Psalm 55:22

 

I am worried about the financial part of the trip, the hiking and
backpacking part of the trip, getting lonely or homesick, or not
feeling welcomed in some of these countries.  All of these worries I
give to the Lord, who is true to His promises.

“For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘fear not, I will help you.'” Isaiah 41:13

 

I know some of the countries we are going to will be dangerous. 
In times of trouble or fear, I will hold on to scripture, which
promises that God will hold my hand and protect me.

“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Prov 3:6

 

I expect to be confused while we are on the world race.  Confused
about where we are being called and what we are being called to do, but
also confused because the enemy is the author of confusion.  God
promises to direct our paths when we ask Him for guidance, so that is
what I plan to do.

 

“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

 

And finally, I am worried about the unexpected.  What things will
we not be prepared for?  Who will we not have answers for?  What if we
run out of food?  All of these worries I confess to my Father, who
promises to give me what I need.