Merry Christmas to everybody! It is hard to believe that Christmas is already here and that I will be leaving in less than two weeks. On the one hand I am excited to be going and beginning the adventure which awaits, yet on the other hand I am nervous about it and at times feel unsure if I am prepared for the trip. The closer the date to leave gets the more I tend to have doubts about going, I wonder why I am doing it, if I am prepared for it and whether or not I can really make a difference. The truth is I cannot make a difference on my own and that it is only through God’s help that change is able to happen, and while I may not feel prepared I need to trust that God will give me what I need and strengthen me for what He has called me to be a part of.
However once again I do feel confident that this is what God wants me to do at this time in my life, and in the midst of doubts, uncertainty and busyness I know that I am going to continue with the trip and am able to look forward to the great things God is going to show and teach me. Just knowing this is reassuring and is motivation to go. I believe that once I arrive in the Dominican Republic on January 5th all the preparation and uncertainty will be worth it, it is just getting there that sometimes feels hard.
Once again I appreciate everyone’s support and prayer and I would ask that you continue to pray for me even now as I am preparing to leave, pray that God would prepare me for what I will see and what he wants me to do and also that I would be willing to be used by him in whatever way He sees fit. I am thankful and amazed at how things have come together in such a short ammount of time and it is encouraging to see. Anyway this is probably the last time I will post before I leave, so I hope everyone has a safe and happy Christmas with friends and family! Talk to you on the other side! er… of the New Year!
God Bless,
Justin Schmidt
