I've loved following various blogs and websites of missionaries and ministries for updates over the past several years. I like to know what they're doing, how the Lord is working through them, and how specifically I can pray for them. While I love to read about the "ups", it's also nice when they're honest and explain their "downs". Because it reminds me they're human. It reminds me to pray specifically for those "downs". And it reminds me that soon, I'll most likely read an update about how they overcame the struggles, or more...how Christ helped them overcome the struggles.
So, in case you're like me, today I turn to honesty. I'll share a glimpse of what is going on in my mind as I prepare for this trip. Believe you me, I am beyond EXCITED about this trip. I can't wait! However, there will undoubtedly be struggles. Several people have asked me in the past few weeks, "What are the struggles you will encounter?" or, "What do you think the hardest part will be?".
- It's going to be HOT. I was in St. Louis last week and it was 116 degree heat index. That's insane. It was a struggle to be outside. I was sweating everywhere (any question about bringing makeup on this trip has been decided), I felt like I couldn't breathe because of the humidity, and I was just uncomfortable. One part of me was saying, "Hey, it's good practice at least for your trip!", and the other part of me was saying, "How on EARTH are you going to make it in this heat for SIX MONTHS???"! So...long story short, the heat will be a struggle.
- I will miss my family. Now, I was not the girl to get homesick at camp. In fact, the first year of camp (I was in first grade), I told my mom I didn't want to come home when she came to pick me up. I am an independent individual who is pretty adventurous (in most areas). However, I am close with my family. I love my mom, dad, sister, and brother with all of my heart, and I will admit it has brought me to tears thinking of not seeing them for six months.
- Besides being hot, I will be living uncomfortably. This was something that Experience Mission told me in my interview...pretty much getting it out there that this wasn't going to be easy. I will be living in host homes in each country, sleeping on the ground, with a mosquito net tucked around me. Now, with my Tempur-Pedic mattress at home, this doesn't sound the most comfortable.
- I will have to ride motorcycles. In Haiti, motorcycles are the taxis. And to make sure you're getting the full picture...they aren't Harley-Davidsons. The previous three fears are ones I can deal with. THIS, I am actually dreading, in all honesty.
- I can't quite wrap my mind around leaving in five months for six months. There's something a little unnerving for me about this due to the fact that I'm a planner. I feel like five months is a lifetime and I have so much excess time before I need to begin purchasing gear, asking more detailed questions, meeting my teammates, etc. I'm nervous because I don't know when it will set in...when it will be real to me.
Now, that's not the full list of fears, but I'm going to have to have something to write about in the coming months! :) HOWEVER, despite those fears, as I'm sure you're thinking, "Why is she even going?", I am still beyond excited. So, to counter those fears, here are five things I'm excited about:
- It's going to be HOT. Spending a January (and February, March, April, May) that is over 30 degrees is going to be interesting. It means I'm in a different part of the world. It means I'm traveling - which is my dream. I'll learn to deal with it, and I'll learn to rely on the Lord when my energy is drained from the excessive sweating.
- I will miss my family. A.A. Milne said, "How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." I am beyond blessed with a family whom I will miss, a family who will [hopefully] miss me, and who will make coming home to so sweet! Additionally, being away for six months will stretch me as an individual and challenge me to be even more independent.
- I will be living uncomfortably. When I was in Haiti two years ago, I noticed so many things that I take for granted. I will inevitably notice more as I not only travel to Haiti, but New York City, Belize, and Jamaica. I pray that I learn to be grateful for even the small things, and to not be greedy about needing more of this, more of that.
- I will have to ride motorcycles. Let's be honest, I'm not particularly excited about this. However, I'm excited to be on this adventure. For one, I get to serve the Lord and bless His people and His communities! Second, I love experiencing new cultures - learning their ways, meeting the people, etc. Riding motorcycles are a part of Haiti's culture...so I'm going to make myself be excited about it.
- I can't quite wrap my mind around leaving in five months for six months. While I'm a planner, I'm a little relieved that I'm not frantically searching and purchasing gear yet. I'm glad that I'm not over analyzing the details and double-checking my packing list five months ahead of time. Frankly, I'm surprised I haven't been doing that. But right now, I must admit, it's nice to be living in the moment. I'm glad it's still August and that I have a FIVE months before I leave my family, before I have to be packed, before I get on a plane to meet the team I'll be spending six months with. Taking this time to work, spend quality time with my family and friends, taking my time to make important decisions regarding the trip, etc. is really nice and I don't want to take those things for granted. Because in five short months, those are things I won't be doing for a while.
In my last post, I showed you a payment plan. In December, I will owe the full $8,800. But in between now and then, each month, there is a specific amount due. For August 11th, the amount is $1,760. I am pleased to show you that, as of August 5th, this is my status bar:
Praise be to GOD!! I am 25% funded! I am so in AWE of His goodness through each of those who have given. I would be grateful and honored if you would consider donating to my 6-Month Caribbean Immersion.
Blessings,
