Hey everyone! I am super excited that I graduate in just 84 days and will be headed to the Philippines in just 98 days! It is crazy how time has flown by so fast during these last few months.
A quick fundraising update: I have raised a total of $3,649 towards my trip and have to raise $701! I have raised 88% of my funds! I am beyond thankful for everyone who has taken the time to contribute to my trip.
As I have been preparing myself for the trip, one thing I have heard from most individuals is that I will experience a cultural shock while I am there and that it will be a life changing experience. Some of these comments have been negative while others have been very up lifting. This past summer, one of my campers had this “back to school prayer” attached their book bag. One evening during worship, I noticed it attached to his backpack. I asked him about it and he told me that he says it every morning before he goes to school and even when times are tough. I can’t help but think about this back to school prayer every time I think about my trip. It reads as follows:
“Dear God,
Please use my eyes to see new friends. Open my ears to hear my teacher and my mind to learn new things. Let me remember YOU are near when I am afraid. Help me to love others like you do and to remember helping others I good. I want to shine your light so bright in my school.
With Grace and Gratitude, Amen!”
I pray this prayer as I prepare myself for my trip. I pray that God would use my eyes to see new friends, open my ear to hear my leaders and my mind to learn new things. I pray that I will remember that God is near when I am afraid. I pray that I can love others like God does and that I can let his light shine bright through me.
I think that each and everyone one of us can take this prayer and use it in our daily lives, whether we are on a walk in the park, at work, at school, at the grocery store, or even the gym. It is important that we remember that helping others is good.
