Long before marriage and parenthood I had the vision to participate in mission trips. When the husband and child came along I expanded that vision to take family mission trips. So when our church announced a few months back that we would be having a family mission trip opportunity (and the kiddo was old enough to go) I knew immediately the answer was YES. I'm not even sure I paid attention to the destination beyond the words "family", "mission", and "trip". I saw the possibility of a dream come true on paper.
Imagine the challenge of feeling the call to go on the mission trip and receiving news that I was going to be out of a job at the same time.
And then all of sudden it wasn't a challenge at all, but a step of faith to say yes to the trip without knowing what the job situation would be. If He was calling us, He would provide for us. And He has. More than I could possibly imagine.
A couple of months back I reached out to a community of friends and family asking how they would like to be a part of the journey. It is not uncommon to have people financially support mission efforts. It gives an opportunity for those to be part of a calling even if they're not physically able to go. It is a complete step of faith and humbling experience.
One week to go until we depart and, as of last night, we have received enough to completely cover the cost of our plane tickets. I was utterly speechless. Although it shouldn't have. Why do we step out on faith and then are surprised when the Lord provides more than our finite minds can comprehend? I'm humbled and joyful all in one breath.
I feel so weak in my preparation. This introverted person who has been called to the mission field does so with the idea that I would be in the background, "behind the curtain", so to speak. I'm not that upfront, full of confidence, type. But all the affirmation of support keeps me pressing on. And I know the Lord has ordained the path. He is not going to take me to any situation where He hasn't already prepared me. And I'm excited to see how the Lord is going to work with what He created in me.
We had our final Vancouver team meeting today. Learning all the differences between our church culture and the Canadian church culture was eye opening for me - in a good way. More in a camaraderie way. I'm interested to see how my (apparent) Canadian temperament meshes in the land of Canadians. And to know me well is to know that I love being among other cultures; embracing and appreciating the differences.
For anyone who is a little curious to know what we're going to be doing. We will be partnering with The Point church and helping foster the relationship with the church and the local community. Some of the activities we will be doing is giving a soccer camp to kids, prayer walking a street of various religious sanctuaries and learning about some other religions, tending to a community garden, passing out socks to the homeless community, having coffee with teens, and the pinnacle of them all... hosting a real TEXAS barbecue, complete with Texas barbecue sauce! I mean, that alone should show people the realness of God!! :)
My goal in the remaining days leading up to the trip is to offer up specific things for prayer. Stay posted on how and what you can pray for!
All glory to God!!
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