Only 7 more days until I leave! I cannot believe it! It really hit me today when I bought my rain jacket, which is super hard to find in the middle of summer by the way. But this is something that I have been looking forward to for what seems like forever. Last summer I got the "missions trip bug." I knew that my soul wanted to go somewhere. England fell into my hands at just the right moment. And as the time to leave has come closer I have felt God impress upon my heart His will for me to go. But I must admit that making it thus far as been a struggle...
I started a countdown for this trip back when the days were in the 150's. When it got to 40 I made a promise to myself. In light of the fact that the number 40 is a Biblically themed number I thought it would be fitting for me to make something special of the last 40 days that I had left before the trip. I told myself that I was going to read my Bible more, spend more quality time with God, that I was going to read more theological books and brush up on my defense arguments. That way, when the time came for me to be bold, share my faith, or quote a Scripture then I would be ready! Well, true to it's form in the Bible, these last forty days have been days of trial. I feel like the enemy has thrown almost everything he's got at me. And I must confess that I feel like I have barely passed with the skin of my teeth. It has been a really hard past 40 days! From work, to family, to friends, to emotional ups and downs, as well as physical, I feel so exhausted! I manage to get some devotions into my day and I can honestly say that I am alive because of them. I am not yet downing, but my head is just above the water. I don't know what kind of refining for God is putting me through, but these series of events happening in the last 40 days before the trip make me feel like something great is at work here. I have no idea what awaits me in England but I am eager to see what it is! I am going to spend two weeks on the other side of the world where the ligh tof Christ is so desperately needed and wanted. Please pray for our team. Pray that there will be many, many divine appointments, and that we will heed the Lord's voice when He tells us to act, and even when He tells us not to. This is my first time going on this particular adventure and I want to make the most of it by taking in another culture and learning from it in every way possible. So please, also pray that despite the business and fatigue that we may be able to soak up what the Lord has for us like a sponge! And thank you to all of you who have encouraged me thus far. I can't wait to tell you all about the trip!
p.s. I am conventiently having a pool party at my house on the 20th so the trip will be fresh in my jet-lagged mind..so yeah, be there. :P
