A few very simple thoughts:
I can be 100% supported. I can have a large prayer team. I can even learn German inside and out. I can spend time studying the personality of my team. I can pack the right clothes. I can hangout in communities that resemble Germany. I can eat German food. I cannot talk to my family to prepare to be away from them. I can talk about my expectations and fears. I can do a million and one different things. But the only thing that can really prepare me for Germany is equipping myself with Scripture.
There were many situations this week where I got to explicitly share the Gospel and talk about Jesus. But there were also too many situations where I could not recite Scripture. I can "prepare" and "plan" for different situations, conflicts, joyful moments, but those things do not mean as much as be equipped with Scripture.
When I'm angry I should be able to recite James 1:20 "...for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires" // impatience: Romans 12:23 "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer" // Sad: Psalm 38:9 "All my longings lie open before you, Lord; my sighing is not hidden from you" // Prideful: Proverbs 11:2 "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom"
The list goes on. I'm not equipped with Scripture like the Lord commands. So how far can my planning really go? This is a season where the Lord is giving me time to prepare to depend on Him!
Father write your word on my heart. Give me a desire for your words more than my own. Enable me to rest and delight in you! Lord I ask that you make me more like yourself, and that you use me and my inadequacies to bring you honor! Amen.