"Look at the nations, watch and be amazed for I am going to do something in your day that your would not believe, even if you were told" - Habakkuk 1:5
About seven or so years ago Hannah Gaddini gave me this verse on a ripped up piece of paper the night before we left for annual high school Mission trip. I don't remember why she gave this to me or what she said after, but it struck a cord within me, and continues to every time I read it, which is often :) Now, seven years later, Hannah and I are heading to the Democratic Republic of Congo for two months. Sitting here in my dorm, looking back to just a few months ago, I would have never guessed that such an adventure would take place this summer, let alone for two months. I am convinced that this is the smallest of surprises that will take place along this journey and that is so exciting!
Bare with me through my ramblings:
This trip is not about bringing God to the Congo. He is already there.
This trip is not about how many things we can fix, or how many "things" we can pack into a bag to give away.
This trip is about God. It is about what he wants to do. It is about His Love. His Grace. Serving him by whatever means He asks of us. It is about learning from the Congolese people, how they love, how they serve, how they see and experience God. It is about being relational. It is about being obedient to Gods calling and being open to what He asks of us next. It is about laying myself down for Him completely. Surrendering.
Pray with me!
Pray for:
- All my motivation that has been lost for classes to return so that I can finish the year out well! ( I am ready to go to Congo… like tomorrow… not so good for my school motivation.)
- Preparing for the known and unknown
- mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally
- for me as I wrestle with how to prepare for the unknown, that I would allow God to be in control.
- preparing my heart for all that he has planned
- that I would prayerfully seek Gods face as I move towards this adventure and throughout the two months in country
- Pray for ears to hear what God has for us on moment by moment basis
- That my actions would be aligned with God's heart, that our actions would speak louder than our words
- That we would "smell like Jesus" - the aroma of Christ would be ever present to the people of Congo.
- That we would be helpful to the people of Gemena and not harmful. Hannah and I are very mindful of how sometimes when we (as Christians) try to help people but we are really hurting and hindering them unintentionally. So while our intentions are good, the end results in not necessarily benefitting the Kingdom of God.
- Pray for safety, for this is not the safest place for two females to be traveling. Hannah and I are not fearful of living and traveling in this country because we both know that we are in Gods hands and that he is fully capable of protecting us but we will be cautious nonetheless.
This is my prayer over the next 4 months:
" May the Words of my Mouth" - Tim Hughes
"May the words of my mouth and thoughts of my heart
Bless your name, bless your name, Jesus
And deeds of the day and the truth in my way
Speak of you, speak of you, Jesus.
For this is what I'm glad to do
Its time to live a life of love that pleases you
And I will give my all to you
Surrender everything I have and follow you.
I'll follow you.
Lord, will you be my vision
Lord, will you be my guide
Be my hope, be my light, and the way.
And ill look not for riches or praises on earth
Only you'll be the first on my heart.
For this is what I'm glad to do
Its time to live a life of love that pleases you
And i will give my all to you
Surrender everything I have and follow you.
I'll follow you."
Thank you for praying with me throughout this adventure. I believe in the power of prayer and I am so appreciative for each and every one of you who is partnering with me!
We are 5 1/2 weeks out!
