As usual, I have procrastinated in beginning this. My last final was taken last week, Memorial Day was celebrated, and now I try to somehow prepare for a trip to Africa in the midst of visiting family, a trip to North Carolina, and a family reunion in Michigan. I've been caught up in thank you notes and postage stamps, chores and the general laziness that seems to develop in early summer... The Calm before the Storm, I think. Right now, instead of feeling incredibly excited about my trip, I find myself stressed with everything that has to be done and maybe a little scared about how this trip could potentially change me. I'm like that, I embrace and even crave a change in my surroundings -- on the outside -- but I fear change on the inside. I also have a tendency to stress about things prematurely... I wouldn't even call this stressing as much as always having a dull awareness that I have more to do to get ready. But, I have no reason to be anxious (Philippians 4:6)! In getting ready for this trip, I have already been blessed by how God has provided. On June 26th, I will arrive on Merritt Island in Florida and for two weeks I will go through 'Bible Boot Camp', a combination of bible and evangelism training and team-building exercises, in early July, I will journey nearly 8,000 miles to get to an AIDS Rescue Unit in Zimbabwe, Africa, there I will serve the Lord by loving on little kids and helping with their medical needs: all of this wouldn't be possible without the generosity and love of my family, friends, and even people I hardly know. Going on this trip was a last-minute decision. Normally, I'd be headed to Blaine, Washington by now, where I'd spend my summer with my grandparents and a wonderful extended family while I was working on a commercial berry farm in the gorgeous countryside. That was and has always been my plan. But this summer God had other plans. For multiple reasons, going to Washington became increasingly more difficult. Doors were being closed. At the same time, it became incredibly clear that I should go on a mission trip. With only two months to raise over $5,000 dollars, I should have been freaking out, but I had peace about it. I sat back and watched as people donated in beyond generous proportions. Without each and every one of them I would not be able to go. I was and am even more blessed by the prayer I know they are covering me and this trip with. I can't wait to share with them all of my adventures when I return and am excited to continue to blog! Till next time, -M | The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quite alone with the heavens, nature and God... amidst the simple beauty of nature. As longs as this exists, and it certainly always will, I know that then there will always be comfort for every sorrow, whatever the circumstances may be. And I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles. |
0 Comments
|
MadisonHi! ArchivesCategories
All
|