One of the things that people have been the most surprised about when I tell them about my upcoming mission trip is the fact that I will be living out of a backpack for nine months.  Typing it down now and reading it back to myself, I can see where they’re coming from.  A young girl, fresh out of high school, basically backpacking to four countries across three continents for nine months to spread the love of Jesus?   It does sound crazy, but a fun kind of crazy.  Like a roller coaster!  I know that comparison probably sounds cliché, but I’m going to roll with it……………Pun not intended:)    

Anyone ever been to Cedar Point?  I’ve been twice, and I can honestly tell you that those roller coasters look hilariously dangerous.  Word of advice to those of you who have not been: Never go on the Wicked Twister!  I usually see a roller coaster and think, “There is absolutely no way I’m strapping myself into that deathtrap.” 

I fear the lack of first hand knowledge when faced with an intimidating roller coaster, and yet knowing that riding the coaster will give me that knowledge, I still hesitate.  Fortunately, or unfortunately sometimes, my sister loves roller coasters.  She is almost always successful at talking me into going on a ride that I never would have gone on otherwise.  I have fun that I would never have had if not for her. 

I was admittedly skeptical of WR: Gap Year when I found out about it, but I realized that I couldn’t let the minor unknown variables scare me.  Especially not when I knew that it was something I really felt called to do.  Isaiah 41:10 says “Fear thou not; for I am with the: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”  

Now I’m waiting in line to go on one of most fun and craziest roller coasters of my entire life.  I know that God is beside me, and that He will hold me through every bump and sharp turn.  This is going to be crazy awesome.