JPs supper last minute mission trip & how u can help
A lot of you wanted to know how to pray for me, so I decided to write this quick journal entry about this mission trip. I have given some background information so that you know what's up.
HISTORY: It actually started last October believe it or not. I couldn't tell you where I saw to sign up to go on a mission trip to Baja. I hadn't been on a mission trip since Thanksgiving 2005. Those that have known me long enough know that I had a miserable time with my team's leader. The work I was doing was amazing and the kids I was there to serve really touched my heart. My leader, however, made me feel less than dirt. I didn't let that discourage me and I was there to give it my all. On our last night was the first night where God made it apparent that I was move to Nashville. I was excited to come back home and get the ball rolling for Nashville. That night our tent fell and we ran to sleep the remainder of the night in our van. That morning I woke up to use the restroom. It was still dark and I fell in a hole. I messed up my legs so bad I couldn't walk for a long while (20 weeks). Even when I started to walk I had a boot on my leg for months! My life totally went one way (negatively for a while) that I would have never expected. I say I'm just now barely recovering and getting back on track. So, when I heard about this trip back in October it sparked my interest. Someone called me back and I applied and got accepted. Around Feb they discussed all the financial responsibility. I had submitted my tax return and had more than enough to cover those expenses. I told them not to would pay it off and left it that.
PROBLEM: My tax return didn't come, and didn't come and didn't come. Then, all the problems with the family (illnesses, bad earthquakes where most of my mom's family lives, hospital trips, even a close family friend's death) and to be honest, the mission trip took a back seat. I decided, «Hmm, maybe God doesn't want me to go.» When I received notice that there was a problem with the filing of my taxes and would not see the return for a few months, I thought that was proof I was not meant to go. I called and told them everything. The mission reps told me to humble myself and ask friends and family for help. I thought they were just saying that and told them I would more than likely not go. My vacation time for trip had been approved so I talked to my manager to remove it so I could come and work. Well, there was a new policy and pre-approved vacation could not be removed. This meant I had 11 days off with nothing to do. I was looking at taking a trip to Nashville (for obvious reasons) or to Atlanta (to visit my cousins). When that proved to be too expensive I thought of a road trip to Canada or even attending Creation Northwest. I was doing the math, determined to not sit at home for these 11 days. Then I got to thinking, «If I can afford such a trip, could I possibly make this trip work?» I called the Mission Rep back and we talked about it. She said if I could give $345.50 NOW and come up with the rest (about $500) by Saturday, I could go. I prayed about it, and next thing I know I was pulling out my ATM card and giving them the $345.50 (I had about $370.00 in my account at that time). So, I took a leap of faith that somehow I will come up with those $500. I don't know where or how they will come, but I have faith that God will provide.
HOW YOU CAN HELP: PRAYER!! Seriously, pray, pray, pray!! Funny, initially I wanted to do this on my own, but now God is teaching I can't do anything on my own. I need HIS help, I need YOUR help. So PRAY!! Here is a list of specifically what you could be praying for:
* Safety on the trip. I don't want 2005 repeated, hehe. Of course not just for me, but for everyone traveling. * That God reigns on this trip and that His will be done * That I go well pre-pared for this trip. And by that I don't mean that I take the necessary items, but that I go there with an open heart and mind ready to soak up whatever God wants to teach me. * That have a servant's heart and don't complain or get angry and just serve those I'm there to serve * Of course pray that these $500 come somehow, in a way that I am still able to pay my bills when I come back * Earlier I would have said that I find my passport, but I raided my room last night and found it in a drawer, lol. Thank you guys for everything. I am very excited about this. Believe it or not, I'm not as nervous as I should be. I feel like God has put this calm over me and is telling me he will take care of me through this.
INFO ON THE MISSION TRIP:
I am going to Mexico. I know, I know, the Mexican going on a mission trip to Mexico doesn't seam like a stretch. Well, it is and it isn't. I know I've been there plenty of times with family, and a few times on mission trips, but I always feel that's where I SHOULD serve. Don't get me wrong, I know the entire world is hurting, but I have been privileged with so many things than my parents, I feel it is my duty to go back to their homeland and help those there. Most people who know me know my mom was a sponsor child living in poverty and that my dad also grew up in poverty, both in an orphanage and then homeless at one point. I have not had to deal with even a fraction of the things they did, so I HAVE to give back somehow. Mission trips to Mexico help me give back somewhat. This particular trip is with Global Expeditions (globalexpediditons.com). We are building houses in the slums of Tijuana. If you've seen the music video for «Born Again» with the Newsboys, that's what I'm basically doing, with them, with that organization.
You can see the video here:
ttp://www.youtube.com/watch? v=HuaavycxU1Q
Again, thank you everyone for your support and prayers. This means SOOOO much to be!