The trip
to the Middle East went really well! It was so smooth and peaceful it was almost scary. 🙂 Planes were on time, luggage arrived safely, only one little bumper accident in a taxi, no food-stomach concerns. I spent about half of the time working on construction with the men (painting rooms, sanding shutters, rescreening windows, etc). We were able to help them accomplish much more than they antic
ipated — answer to one of the prayers yal have been praying, to bless the long-term workers there. The other half of the time I spent making connections with a Christian family there. Their heritage is Christian and (more importantly) they have a relationship with Jesus. The kids were amazing, and I loved spending time with them. They were learning English, so hanging around us was important to their father. In addition to working hard, I was able to take a few trips to the sea, saw amazing sunsets (you know they’re my favorite!), and get my hair done at least once a day by my sweet friend. (Talented for an 11 year old, isn’t she?)
to the Middle East went really well! It was so smooth and peaceful it was almost scary. 🙂 Planes were on time, luggage arrived safely, only one little bumper accident in a taxi, no food-stomach concerns. I spent about half of the time working on construction with the men (painting rooms, sanding shutters, rescreening windows, etc). We were able to help them accomplish much more than they anticipated — answer to one of the prayers yal have been praying, to bless the long-term workers there. The other half of the time I spent making connections with a Christian family there. Their heritage is Christian and (more importantly) they have a relationship with Jesus. The kids were amazing, and I loved spending time with them. They were learning English, so hanging around us was important to their father. In addition to working hard, I was able to take a few trips to the sea, saw amazing sunsets (you know they’re my favorite!), and get my hair done at least once a day by my sweet friend. (Talented for an 11 year old, isn’t she?)Honestly, the smoothness initially made me wonder if we were fighting the spiritual struggle hard enough, especially together as a group. (I knew my strong teammates love the Lord deeply & individually). I thank God for the smoothness though. 1) I know He was answering a lot of prayers; 2) He revealed to me that the smoothness was not for my sake, but the sake of my teamm
ates. 
See, I was the youngest there, and yet many of them had limited experience on mission trips, and none in the M.E. or 10-40 window. We were all excited to be there, knowing the Lord called us for this purpose at this time. So the fact that we went to a more seculded area, worked largely with only one Christian (in background & faith) family, and did construction most of the time… all this was good, because it gave my teammates a love for the M.E. and a heart to go back and pray for the unreached there. And it gave me a perspective of the M.E. that I had never had before — one filled with calmness. So was it “A little too smooth”?… No. Thank God for His unmerrited grace! I pray that soon all the M.E. will know the Real Joy that brings True Peace… Christ, The Prince of Peace. Thanks so much for your prayers!!
ates. See, I was the youngest there, and yet many of them had limited experience on mission trips, and none in the M.E. or 10-40 window. We were all excited to be there, knowing the Lord called us for this purpose at this time. So the fact that we went to a more seculded area, worked largely with only one Christian (in background & faith) family, and did construction most of the time… all this was good, because it gave my teammates a love for the M.E. and a heart to go back and pray for the unreached there. And it gave me a perspective of the M.E. that I had never had before — one filled with calmness. So was it “A little too smooth”?… No. Thank God for His unmerrited grace! I pray that soon all the M.E. will know the Real Joy that brings True Peace… Christ, The Prince of Peace. Thanks so much for your prayers!! Currently, I’m seeking God’s wisdom on “What next”… Job? School? Where? What? How? With Whom? Some paths I’ve attempted have been a bit discouraging. Most seem overwhelming. Thanks for your continued prayers for wisdom, strength, perseverance, patience, and a clear direction. Waiting on God’s timing is tough! Also I’m praying for deep, edifying relationships here in East TN. I want to be that “iron” that sharpens and is sharpened by other iron. Love & God’s blessings, dear friends.
