There are only a few more days before I leave. I am ready, but I would be lying if I said I wasn't a little nervous. There has been a lot on my mind that I have been nervous about - most of it is pretty silly to be honest. Here are some examples of the ridiculous things I worry about: will I remember to bring everything and would it fit in my bag (thankfully it does), will I be able to handle the 6-7 hour bus ride with no bathroom breaks, will I be able to handle the bugs and humidity, etc... Seriously, these are things I really shouldn't worry about.
My family also had some concerns. I can't blame them though, they are my family. They asked some good questions that I hadn't quite thought through (like what I would do if the person picking me up at the airport never showed up and other similar questions). Although I now have answers to these questions, my family is still a little nervous.
Fear happens. It's part of life. We all experience it, but what counts is whether or not you choose to let it control you. You can either back down, give up, and walk away or you can face it head on. I choose the latter. I am able to face my fears because of Jesus. Jesus is also the reason I can reassure my family.
There are so many references in the Bible where we are told not to be afraid. God knew that we would be afraid and need that reassurance. He tells us over and over that He will take care of our needs (Philippians 4:19), He will protect us (2 Thessalonians 3:3), and He has our best in mind (Romans 8:28).
With His promises in mind, I have packed my bags and I am ready to go share the hope we have in Jesus and His love with the people in Mokanji (the village I'll be in). I can't wait to meet the kids in Mokanji. I can't wait to work with the teachers at the local schools and the leaders of the church. I am choosing Jesus and His will for my life (Jeremiah 29:11) over my fears.
I figure that if you're not under God's protective care on a mission trip doing His work, when ARE you? I think for me (mom), it will be being out of touch that will be the hardest. I won't be able to call and check to see that you're fine and everything is going well--just like in the olden days of the 70s and 80s before internet and cell phones! But I sure am proud of the person you've become, and I really wish I were right there with you, not because then I'd know whether you're safe/well or not, but because it will be such an adventure! Remember your sister's motto: "Life begins at the end of your comfort zone." xoxoxo
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