With a trip like the World Race, there is no way to know what will lie ahead in the 11 months I will be in the mission field. They tell you not to have any expectations except to have your world turned upside down. Despite the warnings, I cannot help but to have some expectations for the months ahead.
First of all I expect this mission trip to be entirely life changing. I expect my eyes to be opened to things I cannot even begin to imagine. There is a difference between knowing that there are more people in slavery now than there were during the civil war times and seeing their faces and hearing their stories first hand. There are 1 billion orphaned children in the world but thats just a number until you hold those sweet children in your arms. I cannot wait to show them the love and acceptance of Christ because that is precicely what he called us to do.
I expect to be extremely uncomfortable. Sleeping in a tent on an air pad will only be “exciting” for so long. Not having air conditioning or relatively clean bathroom/shower facilities at all times or a roof over my head at night will only be “adventurous” for so long. Granted not everywhere I will be staying will that be the case, but I still have no idea where I will be staying in my respective countries.
Aside from physical discomfort, I absolutely expect social/emotional discomfort. Language and cultural barriers will be difficult to navigate. Sharing close quarters with up to 50 people all the time will surely make fuses run short. Its inevitable. My wonderful squad mates are so incredible and inspiring and encouraging, but sorry guys. We will get on each others nerves at some point.
I expect to have some crazy adventures. Exploring southeast Asia, bungee jumping, African safaris, beaching it in central america, zip lines, the list goes on and on. I mean we are going to have to blow off steam at some point. We are going to need a mental break. (don’t worry guys…. there will be way more ministry work than crazy adventures… it is a mission trip after all…Jesus comes first)
I expect to miss my dog Cali. (and the rest of my family and friends but she is my baby.) Its breaking my heart that I can’t explain to her that I am not abandoning her. I will be coming back but she won’t know that. My parents, who we already live with and they love her, will be taking care of her so she will be safe and loved, but I am so afraid she will forget me while im gone, or that she will never forgive me for leaving her for so long.
I expect to miss out on big life events back home. I will inevitably be missing weddings, babies, engagements, and countless other life events for friends and family. I am willing to skype in to these events if wifi is available no matter the time of day (or night).
I expect to see sights I can only dream of.
I expect to see God move in ways I can only dream of.
I expect to have my world rocked in ways I can only dream of.
Continue to pray for me, my squad, and that God guides us and that we learn to trust in Him for everything.
Also please pray for P squad. That dear squad that launced in January has had such a rough time. Injuries, illnesses, and harships has plagued their race, but they have perservered through it all. Currently they are in Nepal helping with disaster relief, and they were near the epicenter of the 2nd earthquake that hit this morning. Communications are hard to establish, but all are safe at this point.
finally as always if you feel called to support me financially in this journey, please prayerfully consider clicking the *support me* tab at the top of the page.
If you are not sure yet and want to learn more, please feel free to contact me!!
email: [email protected]
p.s. Thank you everyone who has supported me along the way so far!! You all mean the world to me 🙂
