I recently attended a week long conference. So many words can describe the experience: restful, peaceful, exciting, worshipful, fun, inspiring, fulfilling, etc. I met so many people doing the work of God from all over Asia. So much wisdom and experience in one place!! It was encouraging to hear the fun and eye-opening stories and a bit overwhelming on how short my time of service will be here and how long some of the other’s time have been in the field of service. I heard from families, the struggles of raising kids. I engaged with older single women and was overflowed by their wisdom. I met…
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As the time of my departure draws near I just keep thinking I am not nervous, I am excited. But even excitement seemed a little fake. Now, I can honestly say that I am sad. I really do hate saying goodbye. I have learned so much about the place I will be and the team I will serve with that I can say that my excitement is genuinely aimed at this mission. But this sadness is overwhelming. How many times I can say I know God has great plans for me, people for me to love and to love me in my mission field; how many times can I hear that from family and friends. I am still human and want to cling…
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Support Raising: asking people for money and prayer...that's ok.
Support Raising: asking people to join me in God's work in another country...better.
Support Raising: bringing friends into a ministry that can glorify God...yep.
If you don't know, I am fully supported and just a short time away from leaving my home counrty. Those three "definitions" pretty accurately describe a changing of mind and heart for me in these three months of support raising. Scary and uncomfortable then exciting but still awkward then calm, hopeful, and blessed. I spent a semester (still measuring time like a…
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God has gifted me with friends, people who surround me in encouragement and love. God gave me family, people who know me better than most and can give me well studied advice.
These weeks feel like God is going "And here, have this blessing from these people, and, oh, a wonderful conversation here, and maybe a stronger friendship bond with these people, and a bucket of encouragement for all."
Building a support team sounded easy at first because I know people who love me. Getting into it was uncomfortable and not terribly fun asking for money and prayers. Looking back on these last…
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Traveling is exciting and memorable especially with people I love. The one problem is living out of a suitcase. Bleh! My first weeks of bringing together my support team was among college friends. I seriously dislike myself for having to have this excuse of asking for support as a chance to catch up and enjoy time with friends!
On the flip side being an introvert on the road is rough. Time alone is scarce. Home proved to be more of a blessing than usual with my own room becoming my refuge. I took my first completely day off (should have done that in the previous two weeks). It was a…
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