Summer finally begins and so does my preparation for this trip! I'm unpacked, have lots of support letters sent out, and I'm on my way to answering the tons of questions that everyone asks about this trip.

Why
Africa? Why now?
  I know it's out of the ordinary to take a year off from school in the middle of my college career; however this seems like the perfect time for me. I've learned so much about myself this year and what I want in life. I've always loved to travel and my favorite memories from high school were the short term mission trips I went on.
 Combine these things with my desire to make a difference in the world and serve my Lord and there's your answer. At least that's the short and simple answer.

Am I worried or nervous? A little of both... Matthew 6:25-34 says,

 

25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?

26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life^[
b]?

 


28
"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.


29
Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.


30
If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?


31
So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'


32
For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.


33
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.


34
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Although I feel like I'm a little late in starting my fund raising, I'm trusting that God will provide all the necessary funds for this trip as well as prepare me and protect us when we are there. As for now, I'm sending out letters, and informing every one of where I'm going and what I'm doing. Tomorrow, I'll get my passport renewed, and set up appointments for shots…yay!!