What expectations do I have going into this trip? Well, a year ago I would have said that I typically
go into things without many expectations and just try to be open to what God is
doing and respond to that. While I still
believe this to a certain degree, after coming back from Haiti I realized that
I take expectations into things whether I am aware of them or not. I think the biggest thing that hit me in
Haiti was the cultural aspect. I would
have never imagined how the cultural mindset, especially towards foreigners,
would play out in how I related to people, the mission work, and my own sense
of accomplishment.
Going into this trip I know I’m going to be clueless to a
lot of the cultural barriers, the languages, and how to appropriately relate to
people. It is going to take time to
adjust and feel productive in each location we serve at. I know there are going
to challenges and conflicts within our teams as people get used to each other’s
personalities and differences. I expect
times of doubt and wondering why I thought God could use me, time of wondering
if I am making a difference in people’s lives, times of frustration and
loneliness. However, I don’t believe these
are the only things that will happen…
…I also expect God to work in spite of all these seemingly
significant stumbling blocks. I’m expecting
to meet people with a similar passion for seeing God move and changing lives. I’m expecting to be completely and utterly
broken in ways I can’t imagine and then having God use that brokenness for His
glory. I am expecting to be placed in
circumstances that are uncomfortable and where I have no other option but to
rely on God. I’m expecting people’s
lives to be radically changed forever….my teammates, people we’re ministering
to, and people supporting us back in America.
I’m expecting to get to know my Savior better as I serve and realign my
priorities to what God’s heart longs for.
I’m praying when I look back at this year of my life, I will
not only be reminded of the great memories, new friendships, and awesome
adventures, but also when I saw God move….when I heard God speak to me….when I
gave my life to seeing God’s love save people.
