It's a little hard to imagine that in just 38 days I will be going to Paraguay! Or that in 77 I'll be in Honduras! But that is what is so cool about this summer!
I am so excited for these trips, but in such different ways! It's really neat to interact with my different teams and learn about what we'll be doing in each country.
I am excited to go to Paraguay...
- to serve in a country I've never been before
- to meet new people
- to build relationships
- to grow a church
- to teach others about Jesus
- to serve with a wonderful team from three different universities
- to serve with ONU students I've never served with before
- to serve with Kelsey and Drew again
- to speak Spanish with the locals
- to see God in new things and places
- to learn more about myself and the world
- to get to know my friends on a whole new level
- to be a puppetmaster
- to worship
- to invite people to church
- to visit the markets
- to eat new food
- to experience new things
... and more!
Please don't misunderstand my list of excitement as simply a to-do list or superficial reasons I'm going on the trip. I am wholeheartedly ready to dive into ministry and be Jesus with skin on in Asunción, but it I am excited for the little things as well.
I am excited to go to Honduras...
- to return to the country where I left my heart
- to see "my kids" again
- to continue the relationships I began last year
- to develop new relationships
- to meet all of the new kids
- to pour into their lives
- to teach ESL
- to sing "O Mango Tree" again
- to eat Isela's cooking again... mmmm
- to stay in the place I love for SIX WEEKS
- to teach the children more about Jesus
- to do devotionals with the staff
- to develop relationships with the moms
- to learn how to adapt.... aka get used to icy cold showers
.... okay maybe I'm not so excited about that last one...
- to get to know Bekka, Katie, and Lanae better
- to meet other teams from all over
- to facilitate and lead others
- to visit new places
And so much more!
And so much more!
After our training last week with the Paraguay team and now the Footsteps meeting today, both trips are beginning to seem more real - They're ACTUALLY happening!!
Getting flight itineraries and tentative schedules, and more information helps my brain realize that it's not just this far-off thing anymore. It's coming. SOON!
I am just so, so excited. These trips are in God's hands and I CANNOT wait to go and let Him work through my hands and feet! If I could, I'd just quit school for now and hop on a plane tonight! ....oh, if only!
I am just so amazed at how God has been providing for me in so many unique ways. I have raised over $2,800 leaving me with under $2,000 to go! He is so good.
Before I know it I'll be on a plane to Asunción for the first leg of my adventure.
And I couldn't be happier.
THIS IS REAL!
