I love, love, love it here. Over the past 5 days my mind has been filled with so many emotions and feelings but at the same time I’ve never been at more peace in my life. It’s incredible here. My team is simply amazing: Katy is my “coach” who checks in on me basically everyday and keeps me motivated to do what I’m here to do, Rachel is my team leader and pretty much has all the information for me everyday, Tiffany and Justin are “the married couple” on our team (this is pretty rare on the world race) and they have been such an encouragement and support to me, Kim is a fellow team member who has a heart for God in a more silenced way and helps me to remember to stay focused, Mark is the eldest man and has such a simple yet touching way to work and he really is such a man of God it’s awesome.
This team has helped me to keep my composure while I’m here and be honest about my feelings and relationship with the Lord. This was the first time I was able to tell my personal testimony without leaving parts out and throwing my whole life in front of everyone…not worrying about being tormented or judged but rather being loved for my bruises and scrapes.
I feel like I came on this trip originally for myself (selfish!): to grow with the Lord in a new place, new time, new way, and to go to a place I’ve wanted to go forever. As I arrived I realized: I am here for a reason. I got a job that gave me freedom to leave for over a month, I was pushed back in my acceptance to nursing school a semester, my mom mentioned a possible mission trip, I googled“Africa mission trips for college students summer 2011”, I applied/interviewed/accepted a position with AIM, I raised an excessive amount of money in a short time, and made it here safely because it was the Lord’s will.
I already have some goals for what I want to get out of this month and they are:
1. Always notice God. He is with me everywhere, He is in everything, He is never away from me. Previously, I have looked at the world and taken advantage without realizing God is in EVERYTHING I see.
2. Make God more than just a ticket into Heaven and a go-to-guy. He will become my jealous lover, my best friend, my deliverer, my stronghold, my king. I want to know Him more and more.
3. Wait upon the Lord. Typically I ask or pray to God but never wait for an answer. I will wait and I will listen. I will be patient and not expect God to work on my time. Specifically… What does the Lord have in store for my future?
4. Receive complete freedom from my past sins. I know God will shine His light, grace, and love through my brokenness and through that He will use me this month.
5. Growth with my personal knowledge, relationship, and understanding of God… in general!
Prayers for us please.. there's alot going on at home for me and its hard to be away. Love you all.
