Sunday, June 24, 2012
home sweet home
hello all :) I have awakened from jet lag long enough to eat my welcome back to america pizza and start some laundry. Just thought I would say hello, I am home, safe and sound. I have so much to share, so many pictures to show, and a WHOLE LOT to process. Im not sure where to begin in words to express what India is like, what the trip was like. This works out really well because I have to share in front of our church tomorrow lol. Im sure I will figure it out, hopefully before then. But please do trust sooner rather than later I will have tons to say. Until then I am working on getting the smell out of my pillow. One wash in and it still smells like India, 8 flights, and 2 continents. It seems I have a long trek of laundry ahead. Hope everyone had a great week! Thanks for your prayers, sweet sendoff messages, and emails while I was gone!
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
holy cow
Well here we are. The
countdown is almost to an end as my team approaches less than 24 hours before
we begin our over 20 hour journey to India. All I want to say is holy cow and I
think that’s pretty fitting of where I’m about to go. As I reflect on the past
months of what it took to get here I am just so incredibly thankful. I’m about
to fulfill a piece of a dream, a calling that was placed on my life before Jesus
said “let there be light.” As a child I knew this was the kind of life I wanted.
I remember being 14, about to leave for my first missions trip to Ensenada, Mexico,
and I was terrified. I was sick about it for weeks, so afraid to fly, to leave
the comfort of my country. My dad sat me down one night in an attempt to encourage
me and said “Jessy, God made you to do a lot of things in this world. You have
such a big purpose, He’s not going to let anything happen to you.” I didn’t realize
as a young teen what my dad was really saying then but I got on the plane for Mexico
and had one of the best experiences of my life, definitely the best one at that
time.
So tomorrow as I board a plane for a different country, I remember not only what my dad spoke over me but what my Father has also said. I remind myself of what I’m called to do in this world for His Kingdom. So yeah, thankful hardly sums it up but that’s how I feel. I know this trip is the beginning of so many more, known and unknown, adventures around this globe. Thanks to everyone who was obedient to Jesus and gave towards my trip. I look forward to telling you all about it when I get back. I expect to have a farmers tan, tons of stories about miracles and, fingers crossed, a new appreciation for peanut butter and jelly.
Pray for me, our team, the pilot of our planes, and the people of India. लेट्स गो !
So tomorrow as I board a plane for a different country, I remember not only what my dad spoke over me but what my Father has also said. I remind myself of what I’m called to do in this world for His Kingdom. So yeah, thankful hardly sums it up but that’s how I feel. I know this trip is the beginning of so many more, known and unknown, adventures around this globe. Thanks to everyone who was obedient to Jesus and gave towards my trip. I look forward to telling you all about it when I get back. I expect to have a farmers tan, tons of stories about miracles and, fingers crossed, a new appreciation for peanut butter and jelly.
Pray for me, our team, the pilot of our planes, and the people of India. लेट्स गो !
[Countdown to India: 19 hours]
Monday, June 11, 2012
Sunday, June 10, 2012
चार दिन
4 days, that's all I have to say. चार दिन .
याय....I think I need to start reading into some hindi... http://www.linguanaut.com/english_hindi.htm
[Countdown to India: 4 days]
याय....I think I need to start reading into some hindi... http://www.linguanaut.com/english_hindi.htm
[Countdown to India: 4 days]
Friday, June 8, 2012
the skinny
With the trip QUICKLY approaching, as in like less than one week, there have been a lot of questions regarding what ill be doing more specifically and who with. So here's the skinny about The Awaken Women's Conference we will be attending- not quite sure what we'll be doing but we'll be there, that I know.
http://awakenconference.com/
As I said in my last post, we will be in Patna, India however we will be traveling around the state of Bihar throughout the week to open new orphanages. Word on the street is that we will have internet access so hopefully that means I can blog and post pics etc while I'm there- but if not they will have them on the website I gave you last time.
Continue to pray for our team- I know its been an intense time of preparation for us and at this point we are just ready to get there. I hardly know what to expect but it will be beyond my expectation Im sure. I cant believe how far weve all come since we first signed up for this trip- its humbling to look back and see all Jesus has done to get us here. I am confident he will do EVEN MORE while we are there. So thats it, Im READY TO GOOOOO!!!!
[Countdown to India: 6 days]
http://awakenconference.com/
As I said in my last post, we will be in Patna, India however we will be traveling around the state of Bihar throughout the week to open new orphanages. Word on the street is that we will have internet access so hopefully that means I can blog and post pics etc while I'm there- but if not they will have them on the website I gave you last time.
Continue to pray for our team- I know its been an intense time of preparation for us and at this point we are just ready to get there. I hardly know what to expect but it will be beyond my expectation Im sure. I cant believe how far weve all come since we first signed up for this trip- its humbling to look back and see all Jesus has done to get us here. I am confident he will do EVEN MORE while we are there. So thats it, Im READY TO GOOOOO!!!!
[Countdown to India: 6 days]
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
numbers
"Never worry about numbers. Help 1 person at a time and always start with the person nearest you." Mother Teresa
Today has been India day it seems. We had our official conference call with Missions.Me and then got to enjoy an authentic Indian dinner hosted by a family at church. They spent years upon years in India sharing the gospel and wanted to give us a heads up on what its like. We were also given a few authentic Indian garments to try on and take with us on the trip...I may post a picture...well see :)
With all this information its easy to get overwhelmed. There are so many cultural things to remember like which hand to eat food with (the right one ONLY), the way they nod yes, or safety issues about passports and pick-pocketers...its just a lot. But I read this quote from Mother Teresa and it really helps me focus. All the logistics are great, and quite necessary, but I have to remain steadfast on my purpose above all else. I'm going to India not for the experience, the cultural awareness or because 112 degree weather sounds really enjoyable. We all signed up for this trip so we could touch someone, they just happen to be more than halfway across the earth.
I think this remains true in everyday life too. It can be discouraging when you think of the need in this world- India alone has over 1.2 billion people-People who have nothing, whether through poverty or because they don't know Jesus, or both....its easy to feel outnumbered. But here I'm reminded that the numbers don't count...1. because Jesus already overcame the world and 2. because well I mean she's right. I'm one person so chances are I can really only help one person at a time, and that's ok. So this week as we all prepare, I'm going to keep this in mind- I don't want to wait until I'm in Asia to start helping people. I want to be aware now of how I can help others, especially my teammates. And then next week when I just happen to be in India and the nearest person to me is an Indian orphan I can help them too. It seems simple, probably because it is.
Continue to pray for me and my team. We found out today we will be in Patna in Bihar,which google maps tell me is right here:
Day 1 and 2 of our trip will be spent at a Women's Conference followed by a Youth Conference, both of which I am extremely thrilled about. The rest of the week is dedicated to opening at least 1 new orphanage a day. Yay! In the meantime I'm trying to get used to eating pb&j every day for lunch so pray that I learn to love that too. Good news for you just in case you are wondering- Missions.Me will be posting updates and info about our trip and pics all week
right here at http://www.missions.me/team.html
That's it for now. As we get closer I'll have more to update! I just got my malaria pills so I'll start taking those soon- now I just need to go shopping with all the money you donated! So thanks!
[Countdown to India: 9 days]
Friday, June 1, 2012
12 days 12 days 12 days
Hello everyone :) Sorry its been forever but I've been a busy bee- I got a new job..and a new roommate :). Things have finally begun to calm down as I settle in at work which means I can really start thinking about India! In 12 days I will be on my way and I cannot believe it! As a team, I know we are all so ready to get over there and hug kids, meet the people, and eat pb and j's every day :)
With that said, over the next 12 days I'm going to need some prayer, for a few things...
1. focused prayer time- it's really easy to get distracted during the times we most need to be focused and intentional about our time with the Lord. So pray that my time (and my team members time) with God will be protected and intentional each day...I want to arrive in Asia FULL of God so I can pour, pour and then pour some more.
2. safety safety safety- God is in control. period. I trust our team will be protected all the way there and back....but you can still pray for that!
3. team unity- Jesus wants to do a lot through us in India, which means us all working together is really really necessary.Pray that we encourage one another, pray for one another, not get offended, or complain, or worry about what other people think and are doing.
4. I dont have a title for this one but its the biggest one for me I think- pray that I will do nothing apart from what I hear and see Jesus do. I don't want to get caught up in doing something just because I see other people doing it and then miss what Jesus wanted me to do in that moment. For example, just because some people in my group are playing with some kids doesnt mean I should right then. There are specific things I'm called to do over there but I'll miss it if I feel like I need to follow everyone else...does that make sense? I hope so :)
5. against jet lag! pray for our bodies- I know that God supplies all my needs- physical, emotional etc...even though we'll be on a plane for 21 hours, yes like a whole day, Jesus is Lord and we can still have energy and excitement and patience and no grumpiness.....
6. our leaders- pray for them to have wisdom strength guidance in abundance!
7. pray for India! Jesus loves them and created them- they are his children they just dont all know it yet :)
Thats it for now....I really appreciate all of your prayers and support!
oh. ps. this is the weather currently for India- its 2:30 am and 88 degrees- just look at this- pray for us.
http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/Bihar+Sharif+INXX0025:1:IN
[Countdown to India: 12 days!]
With that said, over the next 12 days I'm going to need some prayer, for a few things...
1. focused prayer time- it's really easy to get distracted during the times we most need to be focused and intentional about our time with the Lord. So pray that my time (and my team members time) with God will be protected and intentional each day...I want to arrive in Asia FULL of God so I can pour, pour and then pour some more.
2. safety safety safety- God is in control. period. I trust our team will be protected all the way there and back....but you can still pray for that!
3. team unity- Jesus wants to do a lot through us in India, which means us all working together is really really necessary.Pray that we encourage one another, pray for one another, not get offended, or complain, or worry about what other people think and are doing.
4. I dont have a title for this one but its the biggest one for me I think- pray that I will do nothing apart from what I hear and see Jesus do. I don't want to get caught up in doing something just because I see other people doing it and then miss what Jesus wanted me to do in that moment. For example, just because some people in my group are playing with some kids doesnt mean I should right then. There are specific things I'm called to do over there but I'll miss it if I feel like I need to follow everyone else...does that make sense? I hope so :)
5. against jet lag! pray for our bodies- I know that God supplies all my needs- physical, emotional etc...even though we'll be on a plane for 21 hours, yes like a whole day, Jesus is Lord and we can still have energy and excitement and patience and no grumpiness.....
6. our leaders- pray for them to have wisdom strength guidance in abundance!
7. pray for India! Jesus loves them and created them- they are his children they just dont all know it yet :)
Thats it for now....I really appreciate all of your prayers and support!
oh. ps. this is the weather currently for India- its 2:30 am and 88 degrees- just look at this- pray for us.
http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/Bihar+Sharif+INXX0025:1:IN
[Countdown to India: 12 days!]
Friday, April 20, 2012
kavita
Hello everyone! It has been a while since I last posted but God is still so good and moving in such incredible ways on my team! Daily we are hearing stories of His provision and favor as the rest of our group continues to collect their funds- believing they will all be supplied for!
I dont have much to report on as far as that goes :) My trip has been completely covered and then some! I won't even have to pay for a meal in the airport or supplies for my trip. Thank you everyone for donating and for sowing prayer into my passion. Now that its all out of the way I'm even more excited because I can really begin to focus and prepare my heart for India. Please continue to pray for me as I discover a lot about myself with the Lord. Its slightly intimidating but really encouraging to learn things I can work on and ways I can be developed, before we leave and while we are there.
I have also been praying for the sweet little lives we are about to change forever- holy cow this is such an awesome thought! In less than 2 months, we get to lead children into their first home, their first family, their first place of safety and refuge AND tell them how much Jesus loves them. Here is just one of the precious faces I will get to meet and I ask that you begin praying for them too, lifting them up by name before the Lord. My new goal is to post one child a day that we can pray for together.
Here is Kavita. She will be celebrating her 8th birthday while we are there!
[Countdown to India: 53 days]
I dont have much to report on as far as that goes :) My trip has been completely covered and then some! I won't even have to pay for a meal in the airport or supplies for my trip. Thank you everyone for donating and for sowing prayer into my passion. Now that its all out of the way I'm even more excited because I can really begin to focus and prepare my heart for India. Please continue to pray for me as I discover a lot about myself with the Lord. Its slightly intimidating but really encouraging to learn things I can work on and ways I can be developed, before we leave and while we are there.
I have also been praying for the sweet little lives we are about to change forever- holy cow this is such an awesome thought! In less than 2 months, we get to lead children into their first home, their first family, their first place of safety and refuge AND tell them how much Jesus loves them. Here is just one of the precious faces I will get to meet and I ask that you begin praying for them too, lifting them up by name before the Lord. My new goal is to post one child a day that we can pray for together.
Here is Kavita. She will be celebrating her 8th birthday while we are there!
"Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone. The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name..." bits and pieces of Psalm 91
[Countdown to India: 53 days]
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
extravagance
I realize I just blogged yesterday but like I've said a million times- my blog cannot keep up with the goodness of God. So today not only did I reach the total amount of my trip BUT I received OVER $2,995 and enough to cover my visa, and my shot which actually is $102, not $51- the wonderful woman at the health department left that detail out when I last called. So, call me a broken record but I cant stop saying it and I wont anytime soon- GOD IS MY PROVIDER. AND He is the God of MORE THAN ENOUGH. Not just the exact amount I need but above and beyond my needs- needs I don't even see. I didn't know the shot was double the amount. But because my God is good and anticipates my needs before I have them, He had already met that need :) YAAAAYYYYY---> its my new word. I just want to say it all the time. I have the best Father. He is just wow. I serve the God of surplus. Everything in abundance. And its because of His faithfulness that all this happened. Its not just specific to me. I used this example earlier with my friend and I hope it makes sense to you.
In my brain its like Jesus is a baker. He makes THE best cakes ever. And He loves making cakes for people, Hes just waiting for someone to order one so He can 1. show off how great of a baker He is and 2. because He wants everyone to enjoy his wonderful cakes. Its almost upsetting when no one orders a cake because, hes a baker, that's what he is supposed to be doing. Jesus has the best miracles and blessings and plans all for us, just waiting. All he needs is someone God expectant, someone God ready to ask for them! Its disappointing when He doesn't get to do for us what He wants to do because we believe He can we just don't know if He will. For us. I mean because we have pasts and we make and will make more mistakes and maybe that only happened in the Bible times. Wrong wrong wrong and then wrong again. He does it now! and He wants to do it all the time, for everyone!
I cant begin to explain how much my faith has grown just in 3 days. I cant begin to describe how my perspective of God has changed. I feel like I'm really starting to see Him for who He truly is. Let me tell you He is beyond my wildest imagination. Oh man, yaaaayyyyyyy!
He loves us extravagantly- exceeding the limits of reason or necessity, lacking in moderation balance or restraint, excessively elaborate....that is good right there.
Just think about that. Good night all! And you can keep giving to my trip if you want- it will just go towards my group- either way an awesome way to spend your money!
[Countdown to India: 69 days]
In my brain its like Jesus is a baker. He makes THE best cakes ever. And He loves making cakes for people, Hes just waiting for someone to order one so He can 1. show off how great of a baker He is and 2. because He wants everyone to enjoy his wonderful cakes. Its almost upsetting when no one orders a cake because, hes a baker, that's what he is supposed to be doing. Jesus has the best miracles and blessings and plans all for us, just waiting. All he needs is someone God expectant, someone God ready to ask for them! Its disappointing when He doesn't get to do for us what He wants to do because we believe He can we just don't know if He will. For us. I mean because we have pasts and we make and will make more mistakes and maybe that only happened in the Bible times. Wrong wrong wrong and then wrong again. He does it now! and He wants to do it all the time, for everyone!
I cant begin to explain how much my faith has grown just in 3 days. I cant begin to describe how my perspective of God has changed. I feel like I'm really starting to see Him for who He truly is. Let me tell you He is beyond my wildest imagination. Oh man, yaaaayyyyyyy!
He loves us extravagantly- exceeding the limits of reason or necessity, lacking in moderation balance or restraint, excessively elaborate....that is good right there.
Just think about that. Good night all! And you can keep giving to my trip if you want- it will just go towards my group- either way an awesome way to spend your money!
[Countdown to India: 69 days]
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
YAY!!!!!!
I cannot say enough about the goodness of God and I'll tell you why. Yesterday I woke up with a determination in my heart. I was set on being faithful, set on waiting on the Lord, set on expecting his promises. I read the night before in Psalm 18:30- God's way is perfect. All the Lord's promises prove true- and thought to myself, well, He's promised to be my provider and His way is perfect (2+2=4) so He absolutely is going to provide for me. I'm saying all this to myself as I check my spreadsheet that reminds me I have over $1800 left to raise, by Friday. This Friday, of this week. Crazy. That's when it all really hit me. In Ephesians 3:20 God says that he can do EXCEEDINGLY and ABUNDANTLY MORE than we could ever ask or think. I think of $1800 in 4 days and God says- think again, I can do MORE. And then I start to see that this is the perfect situation. Of course I need this much in this amount of time, this is something only God can do. God loves "impossible" situations. It is in these "impossible" situations that He gets to show up and rock our worlds, show us who He really is, be all that His word has promised He is. This way He gets the glory. This way its not me, not anyone else, not coincidence- it could only be and can only be Jesus.
So I'm telling my friend all this who is also going on the trip and I'm getting pumped. I'm like "yes Jesus, wait until Friday if you want. whatever it takes to give you the glory." I was determined to expect nothing less than for Jesus to do what He does.
SO THEN> I leave working out with my friend (the one I told my above rant to) and I get home. I have like 5 missed calls from my best friend from home so I call her back. She tells me that her dad heard about my trip and decided to donate.... drum roll please.... $1500. I was beyond stunned and shocked. I didn't even send him a support letter. I didn't move, I just stood there with my mouth gaping. Then this morning I had several more people email me to say they put checks in the mail today for my trip.
I say all this to say that Jesus is GOOD. Beyond GOOD. Its His compassion that causes Him to move on our behalf in whatever situation, for whatever we are believing Him for. He says in Malachi 3:10-"Test me in this and see...." We are called to test him at His promises, to remind Him of who He is and what He says Hes going to do. Don't be shy when talking to God, His word says that you have not because you ask not! So ask!
I asked the Lord to move on my behalf for His glory so here goes- glory to God, He is the mighty King, my Provider, my Protector, my Father. He does more than I could ever hope or dream and I'm just so thankful that He loves me. That He loved me first. And nothing I do will ever change that. I love Him. And once again I'm blown away by Him-how He moves and His compassion for me. praise praise praise praise praise. the end.
p.s. our money deadline was extended too so even more glory to God!
[Countdown to India: 70 days]
So I'm telling my friend all this who is also going on the trip and I'm getting pumped. I'm like "yes Jesus, wait until Friday if you want. whatever it takes to give you the glory." I was determined to expect nothing less than for Jesus to do what He does.
SO THEN> I leave working out with my friend (the one I told my above rant to) and I get home. I have like 5 missed calls from my best friend from home so I call her back. She tells me that her dad heard about my trip and decided to donate.... drum roll please.... $1500. I was beyond stunned and shocked. I didn't even send him a support letter. I didn't move, I just stood there with my mouth gaping. Then this morning I had several more people email me to say they put checks in the mail today for my trip.
I say all this to say that Jesus is GOOD. Beyond GOOD. Its His compassion that causes Him to move on our behalf in whatever situation, for whatever we are believing Him for. He says in Malachi 3:10-"Test me in this and see...." We are called to test him at His promises, to remind Him of who He is and what He says Hes going to do. Don't be shy when talking to God, His word says that you have not because you ask not! So ask!
I asked the Lord to move on my behalf for His glory so here goes- glory to God, He is the mighty King, my Provider, my Protector, my Father. He does more than I could ever hope or dream and I'm just so thankful that He loves me. That He loved me first. And nothing I do will ever change that. I love Him. And once again I'm blown away by Him-how He moves and His compassion for me. praise praise praise praise praise. the end.
p.s. our money deadline was extended too so even more glory to God!
[Countdown to India: 70 days]
Sunday, April 1, 2012
awaken
Just a quick financial update for everyone- our money is due THIS FRIDAY- so praise be to God for already providing for our whole team- I just know he will do it.
So far, my total is $1415, $1160 towards the $3000 trip cost. If you are reading this and would like to give towards my trip, checks may be made payable to Cornerstone Summit Church with India in the memo. Make sure to attach something that indicates its for me. Checks can be sent to:
Cornerstone Summit Church
869 Highway 105 Ext. Suite 3
Boone, NC 28607
Anyways, I learned this week more about the trip and I wanted to share some of it with you. Throughout this process, I haven't been sure why Jesus asked me to go on this trip specifically- though I know hes asked me to. The other trip to Ecuador seems much more "my thing" with its focus being street evangelism. Yesterday I found out that during part of our time we will be participating in the Awaken Women's Conference and suddenly its all starting to make sense. The main purpose of this conference is to awaken women to who they are in Christ, to help them break free of the things holding them back. What a humbling thought. If you think about this conference in an American context its great and I imagine women being freed from insecurity, bad self image, abuse, heartache etc. But bring it to India and I see women getting freed from a culture that says they are worthless because they are women, a religion that doesn't place any value on them, a society that ( as you remember from the article I posted some time ago) says they are unwanted. My heart is aching but bursting because I am so saddened but at the same time overjoyed to think of the freedom that is coming to India, to these precious daughters of God.
If you cant tell, Im beyond excited. This countdown to June 14th seems like an eternity even though Im sure it will be here before I know it.
My prayer request today is for the women of Bihar we will meet. The women that God is already drawing to this conference. That their hearts will be open to receiving Christ's unfathomable love and desire for them. That nothing would hold them back from coming, from believing and from walking in that even after we leave. And I pray that for you to. I pray that for myself. Lets walk in the fullness of who we are as daughters today. [Same goes for you guys :)]
Yay for telling people about Jesus!!!!!!!!!!!
Check it out: http://www.awakenconference.com/
[Countdown to India: 72 days]
So far, my total is $1415, $1160 towards the $3000 trip cost. If you are reading this and would like to give towards my trip, checks may be made payable to Cornerstone Summit Church with India in the memo. Make sure to attach something that indicates its for me. Checks can be sent to:
Cornerstone Summit Church
869 Highway 105 Ext. Suite 3
Boone, NC 28607
Anyways, I learned this week more about the trip and I wanted to share some of it with you. Throughout this process, I haven't been sure why Jesus asked me to go on this trip specifically- though I know hes asked me to. The other trip to Ecuador seems much more "my thing" with its focus being street evangelism. Yesterday I found out that during part of our time we will be participating in the Awaken Women's Conference and suddenly its all starting to make sense. The main purpose of this conference is to awaken women to who they are in Christ, to help them break free of the things holding them back. What a humbling thought. If you think about this conference in an American context its great and I imagine women being freed from insecurity, bad self image, abuse, heartache etc. But bring it to India and I see women getting freed from a culture that says they are worthless because they are women, a religion that doesn't place any value on them, a society that ( as you remember from the article I posted some time ago) says they are unwanted. My heart is aching but bursting because I am so saddened but at the same time overjoyed to think of the freedom that is coming to India, to these precious daughters of God.
If you cant tell, Im beyond excited. This countdown to June 14th seems like an eternity even though Im sure it will be here before I know it.
My prayer request today is for the women of Bihar we will meet. The women that God is already drawing to this conference. That their hearts will be open to receiving Christ's unfathomable love and desire for them. That nothing would hold them back from coming, from believing and from walking in that even after we leave. And I pray that for you to. I pray that for myself. Lets walk in the fullness of who we are as daughters today. [Same goes for you guys :)]
Yay for telling people about Jesus!!!!!!!!!!!
Check it out: http://www.awakenconference.com/
[Countdown to India: 72 days]
Sunday, March 25, 2012
befores and afters
This week we had a group from our church return from a mission trip to Honduras with the same organization I'll be going with to India. It has been so moving and exciting to hear about the miracles they have witnessed and to see the move of God they brought back from this country. I don't think any of them expected to experience what they did. With that said I want to write about what I expect and think about this trip before it happens. I am confident I will look back on June 23rd after I wake up from the most ridiculous jet lag and have totally different things to say about India and Jesus.
I have been on about 6 I guess mission trips since I was 15, all to Mexico except one to the Dominican Republic. And they were all great don't get me wrong. Each one taught me new things about the Lord, about His people, about the world. Somehow though it didn't hit me until this week that though I may seem slightly familiar with missions, Jesus is about to completely rock my world, inside and out, upside down. I don't think I can even fathom right now what I will see. I imagine a lot of people, a lot of precious children, a lot of broken hearts, a lot of sorrow. I imagine a dark place that is ready to be permeated with LIGHT. I imagine beautiful people with wonderful hearts, desires, dreams, all waiting for the God that came to awaken it in them. I expect miracles, healings, restoration, newness. I expect to never ever want to come back. (don't tell my mother) I expect to be humbled, to be over joyed and to cry a whole lot. I expect new perspective, not because I live in America and I have food on the table every day but because I don't think we let Jesus move the way He wants. I think often times we/me limit the miracles He does because of our unbelief and laziness. I imagine that after going there and witnessing a free unlimited group of people ready to receive from God all that he has to offer, Im going to be blown away by the power he already has that I've just never allowed myself to see.
But then again who knows....maybe it will be everything I expect and more. Nevertheless, I am told to expect giant spiders- but I've already talked to Jesus about that so I expect him to have killed them all before I get there.
I have been on about 6 I guess mission trips since I was 15, all to Mexico except one to the Dominican Republic. And they were all great don't get me wrong. Each one taught me new things about the Lord, about His people, about the world. Somehow though it didn't hit me until this week that though I may seem slightly familiar with missions, Jesus is about to completely rock my world, inside and out, upside down. I don't think I can even fathom right now what I will see. I imagine a lot of people, a lot of precious children, a lot of broken hearts, a lot of sorrow. I imagine a dark place that is ready to be permeated with LIGHT. I imagine beautiful people with wonderful hearts, desires, dreams, all waiting for the God that came to awaken it in them. I expect miracles, healings, restoration, newness. I expect to never ever want to come back. (don't tell my mother) I expect to be humbled, to be over joyed and to cry a whole lot. I expect new perspective, not because I live in America and I have food on the table every day but because I don't think we let Jesus move the way He wants. I think often times we/me limit the miracles He does because of our unbelief and laziness. I imagine that after going there and witnessing a free unlimited group of people ready to receive from God all that he has to offer, Im going to be blown away by the power he already has that I've just never allowed myself to see.
But then again who knows....maybe it will be everything I expect and more. Nevertheless, I am told to expect giant spiders- but I've already talked to Jesus about that so I expect him to have killed them all before I get there.
[Countdown to India: 79 days]
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
another donation update- say what?!
Happy Wednesday almost Thursday!
Just a short but sweet donation update- I swear Jesus moves faster than I can blog! Today my total funds thus far are $1,240. Can you believe it? It is beyond humbling to see Him move on my behalf in the lives of people I know. I could go on and on but its past my bedtime. I promise I'll blog about different things soon but I just wanted to keep everyone in the loop! Keep praying and believing with me. I have a feeling this is going to be a life-changer. ;)
P.s. we will be doing a fundraiser this week at a local frozen yogurt spot so keep that in your prayers too! (and come if you live in Boone- its at Sweet Frog from 5-9pm Friday!)
"But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit."
Jeremiah 17:7-8
[Countdown to India: 83 days]
Monday, March 19, 2012
more than enough
So wow. Forgive me if I stumble through this post but I am just blown away by the goodness of God and the generosity of some amazing people in my life. I don't know where to begin except by first telling you that today I surpassed 1/3 of my trip cost and currently have $1090. I just cant believe that.
Lets back track to today at 3pm when I found out how much my shots would cost. These shots are not mandatory however highly encouraged. The CDC tells me in order to go to India safely I need the following shots:
Hep A: $51 ----> most important
Typhoid: $89
Malaria pill: $6
I'm thinking wow my health is very important but I'm already raising this "daunting" amount of $3,000 and trying to get $200 more aside from that for my visa-these shots may not happen. I started today with $95 from various people for my visa wondering where the other $105 will come from, not even thinking about my shots. I left work only to find a letter waiting for me on the mail table. Its from my dear friend in Virginia that I absolutely adore (shes really great). I'm thinking oh I bet this is for India, she is so sweet, she did not have to do this. Remember: 200-95=105. In this envelope is $160. I catch my breath and do more math. 160+ 95= 255. Now remember that really important Hep A shot I need ($51)? After all this math you will come to see I have $4 to spare after getting my visa and this shot. I can get both! I never thought Id be more excited about a needle but I am, I am so excited. Jesus thinks of everything.
The thing I am starting to realize for myself throughout this process that I have already seen on smaller scales in my life is that Jesus is a planner. Long before I even decided to go to India, had a relationship with Jesus, was born even, Jesus already set in motion the means for this trip, through all of you. Whether you realize it or not, you giving towards this trip, with your time, your prayers or your money was an obedient response to Jesus. And I'm so thankful for it. I am even more excited than ever for this trip, for this move of God so far away but already starting in me.
"No ones ever seen or heard anything like this, never so much as imagined anything quite like it- what God has arranged (made ready, prepared in advance) for those who love him. But youve seen and heard it bc God by His Spirit has brought it all out into the open before you." 1 Cor. 2:8-9
I am blown away by the ABUNDANT gifts of God.
Its always surplus, never just enough. Always more than enough.
[Countdown to India: 85 days]
Lets back track to today at 3pm when I found out how much my shots would cost. These shots are not mandatory however highly encouraged. The CDC tells me in order to go to India safely I need the following shots:
Hep A: $51 ----> most important
Typhoid: $89
Malaria pill: $6
I'm thinking wow my health is very important but I'm already raising this "daunting" amount of $3,000 and trying to get $200 more aside from that for my visa-these shots may not happen. I started today with $95 from various people for my visa wondering where the other $105 will come from, not even thinking about my shots. I left work only to find a letter waiting for me on the mail table. Its from my dear friend in Virginia that I absolutely adore (shes really great). I'm thinking oh I bet this is for India, she is so sweet, she did not have to do this. Remember: 200-95=105. In this envelope is $160. I catch my breath and do more math. 160+ 95= 255. Now remember that really important Hep A shot I need ($51)? After all this math you will come to see I have $4 to spare after getting my visa and this shot. I can get both! I never thought Id be more excited about a needle but I am, I am so excited. Jesus thinks of everything.
The thing I am starting to realize for myself throughout this process that I have already seen on smaller scales in my life is that Jesus is a planner. Long before I even decided to go to India, had a relationship with Jesus, was born even, Jesus already set in motion the means for this trip, through all of you. Whether you realize it or not, you giving towards this trip, with your time, your prayers or your money was an obedient response to Jesus. And I'm so thankful for it. I am even more excited than ever for this trip, for this move of God so far away but already starting in me.
"No ones ever seen or heard anything like this, never so much as imagined anything quite like it- what God has arranged (made ready, prepared in advance) for those who love him. But youve seen and heard it bc God by His Spirit has brought it all out into the open before you." 1 Cor. 2:8-9
I am blown away by the ABUNDANT gifts of God.
Its always surplus, never just enough. Always more than enough.
[Countdown to India: 85 days]
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
All Those Little Faces: Elizabeth Vargas Explores India’s ‘Gendercide'
Hello! I have exciting news for all of you today!
1. My passport came in yesterday! I had to get it renewed but it only took 8 business days. Im pretty sure this is a new record for the US Government.
2. I have received more donations: one check by my sweet sweet friend Kaitlyn and another from a prior employer! This brings my total donations to $235 and with my deposit $335. Still believing for more!
3. Yesterday I sent in my time off request to my boss. I pretty much had to ask for 2 weeks off which is a lot in grown up work world. In less than 24 hours my time off was APPROVED! I really thought it was going to be a much more difficult process but praise the God who ALWAYS makes a way! For real.
Now that the good news is taken care of I want to share with you some reasons why being active in India is beyond important and a matter of life and death. Right after I decided to go to India, so about a couple months ago, my roommate and I watched this news piece about a startling issue going on India- gendercide. Please take some time to read and watch this report about the little girls who are disappearing across this country. As a woman I cant even imagine being unwanted by my family and society. From my blessed and priveleged position I have promised to help these girls and believe you can make a difference too.
‘All Those Little Faces’: Elizabeth Vargas Explores India’s ‘Gendercide’
"Six months ago, I traveled to India to see firsthand what the prime minister of that country calls a national shame. It is the systematic, widespread, shocking elimination of India’s baby girls. Some 50,000 female fetuses are aborted every month in India. Baby girls are often killed at birth, either thrown into rivers, or left to die in garbage dumps. Its estimated that one million girls in India “disappear” every year.
I traveled first to Delhi, where I met a woman who is a member of the privileged, educated class. Her name is Mitu and she is a pediatrician, married to a doctor. When she became pregnant, she said her husband’s family pressured her to have an illegal ultrasound to see if her twins were girls or boys. There are clinics everywhere in India, offering ultrasounds. We walked down street after street and saw signs everywhere advertising ultrasound services. There are even technicians who pack portable ultrasounds and travel to villages offering their services. The dirty little secret is that many couples use the ultrasound to find out the sex of their baby. If they find it’s a girl, hundreds of thousands of mothers-to-be abort the fetus. 50,000 girl fetuses are aborted every month in India. It is a staggering number. And it has created whole villages where there are hardly any women. We went to one such village in the province of Haryana. Everywhere we looked, we saw boys, young men, old men, but very, very few women. It was unsettling, especially because we knew this was not some freak of nature, but a result of the deliberate extermination of girls.
The reason so many Indians do this is financial. A family with a girl will pay a dowry to her husband’s family when she marries. It is a long cultural tradition in India that new laws cannot seem to break. So a girl means the family will lose money, property, or cattle on the wedding day. A boy means the family will gain those things. The illegal ultrasounds and the illegal gender abortions are used by India’s middle class to guarantee they get sons.
Poor women who cannot afford these services will simply kill or abandon their babies. Some will take their newborn girls to a drop box, usually in the middle of the night, and leave the baby there. One drop box is at a place called the Unique Orphanage in Punjab. We went from the village with no women, to the orphanage with no boys. There are only girls here…60 of them…all cared for by a wonderful woman who will raise each and every one. It is striking to see all those little faces, some two days old, others teenagers, all unwanted by their biological families. They are actually the lucky ones. Their parents didn’t kill them. They now have someone who loves them.
The orphanage is crowded – I counted three, sometimes four girls in each bed — but also immaculate. No one knows their real birth date, so once a year they have one giant birthday party for everyone. As we left the orphanage, I thought back to a temple I visited days earlier where newlyweds make a pilgrimage, to kneel and pray. Not for wealth, or long lives, or success. They pray for a baby boy, and not for a girl. Some of them are willing to kill to make that wish come true."
Watch Elizabeth Vargas’ report below:
http://tinyurl.com/c5cy22e
This is why Angel House is so important. To see how you can help this organization specifically, click here: http://www.angelhouse.me/index12.html
[Countdown to India: 91 days]
1. My passport came in yesterday! I had to get it renewed but it only took 8 business days. Im pretty sure this is a new record for the US Government.
2. I have received more donations: one check by my sweet sweet friend Kaitlyn and another from a prior employer! This brings my total donations to $235 and with my deposit $335. Still believing for more!
3. Yesterday I sent in my time off request to my boss. I pretty much had to ask for 2 weeks off which is a lot in grown up work world. In less than 24 hours my time off was APPROVED! I really thought it was going to be a much more difficult process but praise the God who ALWAYS makes a way! For real.
Now that the good news is taken care of I want to share with you some reasons why being active in India is beyond important and a matter of life and death. Right after I decided to go to India, so about a couple months ago, my roommate and I watched this news piece about a startling issue going on India- gendercide. Please take some time to read and watch this report about the little girls who are disappearing across this country. As a woman I cant even imagine being unwanted by my family and society. From my blessed and priveleged position I have promised to help these girls and believe you can make a difference too.
‘All Those Little Faces’: Elizabeth Vargas Explores India’s ‘Gendercide’
"Six months ago, I traveled to India to see firsthand what the prime minister of that country calls a national shame. It is the systematic, widespread, shocking elimination of India’s baby girls. Some 50,000 female fetuses are aborted every month in India. Baby girls are often killed at birth, either thrown into rivers, or left to die in garbage dumps. Its estimated that one million girls in India “disappear” every year.
I traveled first to Delhi, where I met a woman who is a member of the privileged, educated class. Her name is Mitu and she is a pediatrician, married to a doctor. When she became pregnant, she said her husband’s family pressured her to have an illegal ultrasound to see if her twins were girls or boys. There are clinics everywhere in India, offering ultrasounds. We walked down street after street and saw signs everywhere advertising ultrasound services. There are even technicians who pack portable ultrasounds and travel to villages offering their services. The dirty little secret is that many couples use the ultrasound to find out the sex of their baby. If they find it’s a girl, hundreds of thousands of mothers-to-be abort the fetus. 50,000 girl fetuses are aborted every month in India. It is a staggering number. And it has created whole villages where there are hardly any women. We went to one such village in the province of Haryana. Everywhere we looked, we saw boys, young men, old men, but very, very few women. It was unsettling, especially because we knew this was not some freak of nature, but a result of the deliberate extermination of girls.
The reason so many Indians do this is financial. A family with a girl will pay a dowry to her husband’s family when she marries. It is a long cultural tradition in India that new laws cannot seem to break. So a girl means the family will lose money, property, or cattle on the wedding day. A boy means the family will gain those things. The illegal ultrasounds and the illegal gender abortions are used by India’s middle class to guarantee they get sons.
Poor women who cannot afford these services will simply kill or abandon their babies. Some will take their newborn girls to a drop box, usually in the middle of the night, and leave the baby there. One drop box is at a place called the Unique Orphanage in Punjab. We went from the village with no women, to the orphanage with no boys. There are only girls here…60 of them…all cared for by a wonderful woman who will raise each and every one. It is striking to see all those little faces, some two days old, others teenagers, all unwanted by their biological families. They are actually the lucky ones. Their parents didn’t kill them. They now have someone who loves them.
The orphanage is crowded – I counted three, sometimes four girls in each bed — but also immaculate. No one knows their real birth date, so once a year they have one giant birthday party for everyone. As we left the orphanage, I thought back to a temple I visited days earlier where newlyweds make a pilgrimage, to kneel and pray. Not for wealth, or long lives, or success. They pray for a baby boy, and not for a girl. Some of them are willing to kill to make that wish come true."
Watch Elizabeth Vargas’ report below:
http://tinyurl.com/c5cy22e
This is why Angel House is so important. To see how you can help this organization specifically, click here: http://www.angelhouse.me/index12.html
[Countdown to India: 91 days]
Thursday, March 8, 2012
donation update!
Happy Thursday everyone! I just wanted to quickly let you all know where I am with donations and thank some wonderful people who have already given! I'll start with a quick story for some important background info.
My deposit for this trip of $100 was due last week. I did not have the money at the time and was graciously given an extra week to turn it in. There were people I could have asked for the money but I really felt like it was important for me to invest in a trip I just asked my friends and family to invest in. I prayed about it and stood on Philippians 4:19 which we all remember from a prior post-
Anyways, I decided last night to just write the check in faith knowing that it was pretty much what was in my bank account and believe Jesus to do what He says He is going to do- provide. I wrote the check this morning- havent even dropped it off at church yet- and already the Lord has blessed me with it back.
This is where my donation update comes in: Today I got my first two donations in the mail! Which is really exciting in and of itself and also because the two checks together equal the amount of my deposit! Isnt God good? I was telling my friend all this and commented that I think its so funny that we are surprised and get so excited when Jesus fulfills His promises like He wasnt going to or something. I should be excited but I should also be expectant; they go hand in hand.
THANK YOU to the two who have already donated and to the rest of you for your responses of excitement and support for my trip! Your prayers and encouragement are amazing and quintessential to the success of our trip. Continue to pray about how God wants to use you for India 2012 and feel free to contact me with any questions you have! I will be posting some videos and articles soon about the current state of India and some issues that are dear to my heart.
Have a great day and remember to thank Him for it! TGIT!
[Countdown to India: 96 days]
My deposit for this trip of $100 was due last week. I did not have the money at the time and was graciously given an extra week to turn it in. There were people I could have asked for the money but I really felt like it was important for me to invest in a trip I just asked my friends and family to invest in. I prayed about it and stood on Philippians 4:19 which we all remember from a prior post-
"...the same God will supply ALL my needs..."
Anyways, I decided last night to just write the check in faith knowing that it was pretty much what was in my bank account and believe Jesus to do what He says He is going to do- provide. I wrote the check this morning- havent even dropped it off at church yet- and already the Lord has blessed me with it back.
This is where my donation update comes in: Today I got my first two donations in the mail! Which is really exciting in and of itself and also because the two checks together equal the amount of my deposit! Isnt God good? I was telling my friend all this and commented that I think its so funny that we are surprised and get so excited when Jesus fulfills His promises like He wasnt going to or something. I should be excited but I should also be expectant; they go hand in hand.
THANK YOU to the two who have already donated and to the rest of you for your responses of excitement and support for my trip! Your prayers and encouragement are amazing and quintessential to the success of our trip. Continue to pray about how God wants to use you for India 2012 and feel free to contact me with any questions you have! I will be posting some videos and articles soon about the current state of India and some issues that are dear to my heart.
Have a great day and remember to thank Him for it! TGIT!
[Countdown to India: 96 days]
Sunday, March 4, 2012
100
Well, despite a short moment of deep thought and some effort, I couldn't really come up with anything to blog about today. But I wanted to blog anyways because today marks the 100th day until we leave! In 100 days I will be on a flight across the world that will seem like a lifetime. In 100 days I will set foot in a different hemisphere, on a different continent. In 100 days I will be immersed in Hindu culture, surrounded by new sights, smells, sounds, people- that Jesus is madly in love with p.s.- the main reason I'm beyond excited to go. So that's that. I'm going to India in 3 1/2 months!
[Countdown to India: 100 days]
[Countdown to India: 100 days]
Thursday, March 1, 2012
the t word
Hello everyone. I suspect if you are reading this blog you probably already know me in some capacity. If so, it probably didnt take long to figure out that I beyond hate... gosh I cant even say it...spiders. I hate them so much. I shiver just thinking about them now (which is why this post will be one of the hardest). With that said, the following may surprise you just a bit, as it did me.
As you well know, I have spent the last several months researching everything I can about India. From the basics to random facts, I could now tell you a lot about this country. Sunday evening I sat on the couch with my beloved roommate, who is going to Ecuador this summer, as we researched our trips. That's when the lightbulb went off. During all this time it never once occurred to me that there might be the t word in India! I panicked. I typed it in google but couldnt even muster the courage to look at the results. I closed my eyes and begged my roommate to take a look. She laughed ( one of ridicule I assure you) and said "youre not going to like this" In her sweetest voice she began to read from the all knowing pages of Wikipedia, "The t word has roots in India and Africa...several species bla bla bla" At this point I feel like theyre all over me. She tells me its safe to look and points to a map of the world. On this map India is covered in green. She says "every area covered in green has the t word there." My stomach sunk. All this time Ive been praying about safety, and sickness, and travel, and overcoming fears of a new language or a new place and all this other stuff when what I should have been praying for is Jesus to kill all the t words in India.
I know all this seems silly and I know theyre just s words but I just imagine waking up and brushing my teeth and seeing one in the bathroom and Im stranded all day standing on top of the toilet because we have a stand off and no shoe is big enough to conquer him. Its crazy and I realize in no way mature but its just how I feel. Ive done really well to avoid these on past international trips and I really have no interest in meeting one, ever. With that said, please pray for me! Im so serious. I need prayers. I dont want to face my fears at all really but If I have to Id like help from Jesus. Also, any suggestions on good repellant and things to squish them with will be much appreciated.
[Countdown to India: 103 days]
As you well know, I have spent the last several months researching everything I can about India. From the basics to random facts, I could now tell you a lot about this country. Sunday evening I sat on the couch with my beloved roommate, who is going to Ecuador this summer, as we researched our trips. That's when the lightbulb went off. During all this time it never once occurred to me that there might be the t word in India! I panicked. I typed it in google but couldnt even muster the courage to look at the results. I closed my eyes and begged my roommate to take a look. She laughed ( one of ridicule I assure you) and said "youre not going to like this" In her sweetest voice she began to read from the all knowing pages of Wikipedia, "The t word has roots in India and Africa...several species bla bla bla" At this point I feel like theyre all over me. She tells me its safe to look and points to a map of the world. On this map India is covered in green. She says "every area covered in green has the t word there." My stomach sunk. All this time Ive been praying about safety, and sickness, and travel, and overcoming fears of a new language or a new place and all this other stuff when what I should have been praying for is Jesus to kill all the t words in India.
I know all this seems silly and I know theyre just s words but I just imagine waking up and brushing my teeth and seeing one in the bathroom and Im stranded all day standing on top of the toilet because we have a stand off and no shoe is big enough to conquer him. Its crazy and I realize in no way mature but its just how I feel. Ive done really well to avoid these on past international trips and I really have no interest in meeting one, ever. With that said, please pray for me! Im so serious. I need prayers. I dont want to face my fears at all really but If I have to Id like help from Jesus. Also, any suggestions on good repellant and things to squish them with will be much appreciated.
[Countdown to India: 103 days]
Monday, February 27, 2012
just ask.
When I first signed up for this India trip, I really didn't know much about it. I knew it was a missions trip, I knew it involved orphans and I knew it was in India. That was pretty much the extent of my knowledge. As time passed I went to a meeting, gathered more details and began the process of preparing for this trip. From typhoid shots and passport renewals, to stamps and deposits, the costs began to add up. What was a $3000 trip is now closer to $4000 after everything is said and done. As each number presented itself I remained confident in the provision of Jesus. After all, my whole life I have been provided for. Whether through loving parents, loyal friends, random strangers, great jobs, just okay jobs, and miracles, I have never been in lack. Especially now, in my post-college, newly "independent" days, I am learning more and more about the Lord as my Father, not just my Creator or King. There is something different about Him when you acknowledge Him as your father. Think about your earthly dad, I'll think about mine. Besides having a great mustache (which I love) my dad is a hard worker, very smart, handy-man, and logical thinker that has NEVER let me go without. Both him and my mom have spent the last 22 years making sure I had everything that was needed. Often times my needs were met before I even asked, they simply anticipated the things I needed, not only for basic survival but to be happy, to enjoy life.
Whether your dad did this or not, I trust we all have a picture in our heads similar to this. Now, multiply it by 5, then 10, then infinity and that is God. Matthew 7 says "keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for... you parents- if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask Him." Another verse goes as far to say that He knows what we need before we even ask...how amazing is that? The past couple of years have been the most transitional yet incredible of my life. I have witnessed provision in ridiculous ways, asking for specific things and having them, needing bills to be paid and not having the money yet they get paid, never going hungry, never going without, always being blessed and always able to bless others.
I say all this because yesterday and today have been frustrating days. As I sat down to tally up all the outside costs of my trip I became discouraged. Just printing the letters to ask for money was going to cost more than I could afford. I say all this because I need to remember who my God is. Not what He has, even though He has everything, but that He is by definition my Provider. If I believe the Bible is true, and I do, then I have to acknowledge that if in Genesis God calls himself Yaweh Yireh- the Lord will Provide- he CANNOT deviate from that identity. Meaning I will always be provided for, with my finances, with wisdom, with joy, with love, with everything I need and more.
Philippians 4:19 says "And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus."
Its a promise. So as I prepare for this trip, as I believe Jesus to be who He said He is, as I stand on His word, I will change what I say and think to be that of confidence in my God. I trust that I will have more than enough to go on this trip, that all my costs will be covered. I go ahead and thank Him in advance for all that He will do.
Even if its not financial, what are you in need of today? His Word is simple and clear- JUST ASK. Know that He wants to give to you, for no other reason than because you are His child. Life in abundance.
[Countdown to India: 106 days]
Saturday, February 25, 2012
I'm going to India!
Hello readers. Whether you stumbled here because you received one of my letters, I told you about my blog or because you googled India, welcome! In case you didn't know, I am going to India! As weird as that sounds (or looks) I have been surprised to find that with each utterance of that sentence I get more excited, more restless and yet more at peace in my heart. I remember when my church first announced that we were partnering with DRM (Dominic Russo Ministries) for three mission trips. I thought, "wow, gosh I really want to go on one of those but I don't think I'll be able to." Yet each time they showed the promo video for the trips I was moved to tears as this want in me began to increase. I started praying about the trips and thought "okay, maybe I can go. But I bet it will be to one of the spanish speaking countries since I speak spanish...Jesus probably wants to use me there, not India." Somehow when the time came to choose and apply for a trip I still hadn't decided. So I sat down and prayed the most honest prayer I could with the most open heart. I read over each trip description and it just hit me, India. It's India. I haven't looked back since.
Three or so months later here I am blogging about this country that was never really on my radar outside of history class and my dear friend Chad Mukherjee (he's half Indian). Since then I have somehow managed to stumble upon all sorts of things concerning India-news articles, people, facts, anything and everything. I've been googling, reading and listening, trying to learn all that I can about this nation, this people. A lot of what I have learned has been beautiful and exciting-the culture, traditions, colors, land. Yet so much has been saddening and heart wrenching. In my letter I skimmed the surface of the basic facts about India however the more I read the more I discover the heartaches going on in this country. From sex trafficking to poverty, disease and crime, many times I find myself crying and praying with each article, news clip and story.
But then I remember- "ONLY ask and I will give you the nations as your inheritance.." Psalm 2:8- what a promise. I start this blog with a prayer for India, thanking God for this beautiful country and for this amazing opportunity to be a part of something so much greater than myself. A chance to learn, to experience something new, to see God's grace in a different light.
Thank you for choosing to be a part of my journey. My hope is that over the next few months as I prepare for this trip, this blog will somehow open you up to the things God wants to do in you, the things He has prepared for you to do in this great big world. I hope it stirs up in you an excitement for His Kingdom and the people in it. And I hope that you learn some new things, about India, about me and about Jesus.
[Countdown to India: 108 days]
Three or so months later here I am blogging about this country that was never really on my radar outside of history class and my dear friend Chad Mukherjee (he's half Indian). Since then I have somehow managed to stumble upon all sorts of things concerning India-news articles, people, facts, anything and everything. I've been googling, reading and listening, trying to learn all that I can about this nation, this people. A lot of what I have learned has been beautiful and exciting-the culture, traditions, colors, land. Yet so much has been saddening and heart wrenching. In my letter I skimmed the surface of the basic facts about India however the more I read the more I discover the heartaches going on in this country. From sex trafficking to poverty, disease and crime, many times I find myself crying and praying with each article, news clip and story.
But then I remember- "ONLY ask and I will give you the nations as your inheritance.." Psalm 2:8- what a promise. I start this blog with a prayer for India, thanking God for this beautiful country and for this amazing opportunity to be a part of something so much greater than myself. A chance to learn, to experience something new, to see God's grace in a different light.
Thank you for choosing to be a part of my journey. My hope is that over the next few months as I prepare for this trip, this blog will somehow open you up to the things God wants to do in you, the things He has prepared for you to do in this great big world. I hope it stirs up in you an excitement for His Kingdom and the people in it. And I hope that you learn some new things, about India, about me and about Jesus.
[Countdown to India: 108 days]
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