This has been an interesting and emotional week. Although I haven't actually cried yet, I feel like I could at any moment and when I start I'm not really sure I will be able to stop. God is starting to prepare my heart for changes He is going to make in me this coming week. I have no idea what He is up to, but it's quite overwhelming.
This picture of me is from the last time I left the US. I spent a few days on a luxury cruise ship relaxing and enjoying time with a friend who I don't get to see often since she lives in Tampa. It was a great time that I will cherish forever. It was the first time I had ever been on a cruise and I was "hooked" and couldn't wait to plan another one. Fast forward 14 months and I'm about to spend my vacation in a completely different way. Even though I have never been on a "mission trip" I'm already hooked. Sure I wouldn't mind going on another cruise one day but getting to go into the world and be God's hands and feet seems like it would be even more exhilerating and rewarding, don't cha think.
There won't be any all inclusive buffets and steak dinners. There won't be any waiters bringing me fruity drinks while I sun bathe. And I'm doubting there will be dancing in the wee hours of the morning. None of that, because I'm going to Guatemala in obedience to God's command and I honestly have NO clue what that is going to look like. All I know is that it won't be on a luxurious cruise ship, I won't have one of my best friends with me, I don't have a clue what I will be eating (much less if I will even have an appetite), but I really couldn't be more excited! For the first time in my life I am completely stepping out on faith and doing what God told me to do even though it doesn't fully make sense right now: Go to Guatemala July 24th-31st and I will show you what to do when you get there.
I can't even begin to put into word all the thoughts and emotions that I have experienced this week. I've been re-visiting the "Faith Works" series and was reminded of WHY I am going to Guatemala. The book of James will really mess you up. That's why I'm going. Because James messed me up. Thanks a lot, James! I challenge you, if you haven't listened to these messages listen to one a day while I'm gone, if you have heard them already listen again!
A neighbor told me last night that she could tell such a big difference in me and that I was radianting. WOW! Thank you God for letting YOUR love radiate through me to her!!! I wish that were the case 24/7! I pray that He will radiate through all of us this week to the people in Guatemala.
Joshua 1: 9 says, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed. for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." I'm so excited about being completely dependant on God and that He is coming with me! He will be my strength, my rest, my joy, my friend, my healer and my feast!
Please be praying for our safety, that we will be open to whatever God calls us to do and for God's glory to be known in Guatemala! Also, pray for rest for J.T. and the interns who are arriving from Uganda tonight and then turning around for Guatemala early tomorrow. Turn your attention to http://www.1wayministries.blogspot.com/ for updates while we are in Guatemala as I will not be posting on here until I return.
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