T Minus 5

It’s almost go-time. 5 days from now, our first flight will have just gotten off the ground 30 minutes ago.

It’s funny because for so long this trip felt forever away. Then when we hit the one month mark and it felt so close. And then ever since I became fully funded and had most of the things I needed for my trip, it felt so far again.

It still feels far, but I think I’m at a point of disbelief that it’s actually happening and that it is so close. I’ve started saying goodbye to people that I won’t see until I get back. Goodbye to a coworker, goodbye to my two year-olds, goodbye to my disciple group, and goodbye to most of my 6th grade girls.

I hope I never forget Wednesday night.

At the end, I told them that I wouldn’t see them for a few weeks because I’m going on a missions trip to Zambia. A couple of them were sad, which selfishly warmed my heart. A couple others were really interested and asked questions about our trip, which is awesome because I know that the number one thing any adult can do for these girls is to lead by example, so I hope it inspires them to do the same when they’re older. And then my co-leader suggested that I sit in the middle so they can lay hands on me and pray over me. She started out, and then some of the other girls jumped in and prayed over me. It was so sweet, and it always amazes me when these little 11 year-old girls jump in to pray out loud, when most adults don’t even do that. #Conviction

I’m also just beginning to say goodbye to the most important person: myself….the old self.

While we’re going there to lead others to Christ, I know that it’s also going to impact me in huge ways, and I hope it really lights the fire again and draws me closer to Christ in every way, more than ever, letting Him shine through me and work through me in everyday life.

This trip is the start of a new era for me, entering into Bible school and ministry. And I cannot wait to see what the Lord does in it and through it, during and after.