I only have one:
I expect to be changed.
I have heard, many a time, that I should go into something like this with no expectations. True–experience has taught me that I tend to over-think things and let my imagination run a little too rampant, when I try to imagine the future; but I did not sign up for this foolishly thinking that I will come out the same person. I don't know how much, how often, when, or where I will change, but I do know that it will be powerful, permanent, and good.
Another reason why I have chosen not to stack up on expectations is that I want to enter this trip as light as possible. What I mean is that I want to go on the Race with as little baggage as I can carry–light on fear, anxiety, selfish desires…light on the emotional baggage (though, a lighter backpack couldn't hurt, either).
The only real weight I hope to carry is a heavy heart for those whom I will be serving. I have been praying that God would help me understand (or at least prepare me to understand) the importance and urgency in ministering to those He is sending me to. Last night, as I was spending time in His word, one verse caught my attention:
"For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified" – 1 Corinthians 2:2
When I am on the Race, and even as I prepare back at home, I hope to be as committed as Paul was when he wrote this. I desire to live with that kind of passion–to know nothing other than Jesus Christ and His sacrificial love–so that even though I may not be the most eloquent person, God's Spirit may work through me to demonstrate that love to others.
Haha–I realize that what I just wrote sounds like an expectation in itself.
…But I think I'll just call that hope =)
