Flexibility is essential during mission trips, or really in ANY
kind of travel. With this in mind, our squad leaders asked us many questions
about our expectations, and our willingness to let go of those should they not
be met. We worked through the questions in groups of 5 or so, giving our expectations to
God, or at the very least, having an awareness that things might change.
It didn’t take long for our trust and peace in God’s plan to
be challenged: Our second day at training camp we were informed that our route
has been slightly changed.
1. We will be going to Romania/Ukraine first (for 2
months) THEN going to Ireland
2. We will not be going to Israel or Egypt
3. After Asia we will flying over to Latin America for a
couple months (probably Guatemala and Nicaragua)
Their reasons were logical:
it’s cheaper to fly into
Romania/Ukraine than Ireland, AND the Adventures in Missions Awakening will be
in Ireland in August, so we’ll be able to go while there =)
-AND-
the political
and religious tension is high in Israel and Egypt right now, and the prices for
things have increased; logistically, it wouldn’t work for us to go there. SO
instead of going to other countries around there, we’re adding a whole-nother
continent to our list =)
I have to admit, at first I was pretty disappointed. Israel
and Egypt weren’t the countries I was most looking forward to, BUT they are
pretty cool!! I’m a lil bummed that we won’t be going there, but I can always
go some other time. I think the biggest disappointment was going to Latin
America…I’ve already been to 6 countries south of the border, so I really feel
like I’ve “been there, done that”. However, after some thought and prayer, I’m
getting more and more excited. Not only will the food be predicable and
bountiful (after eating strange Asian creations for a few months), but I’ll be
able to practice Spanish again! And I’m sure after 9 months, I’ll need it haha.
Plus, I’ve always loved ministering within the Hispanic culture, and I’m sure
God has some amazing plans for us those two months!
So, this is our current Itenerary:
Romania
Ukraine
Ireland
Kenya
Uganda
Africa ATL (ask the Lord)
Thailand
Cambodia
Asia ATL
Guatemala
Nicaragua
I can’t wait to see how God is going to use us in each country! Only 19 days until we leave!! =D
