A change in my thinking

19 days until I leave for Haiti! I am so excited. We had our group meeting today at EIU Christian Campus House. One final meeting in April and we will be leaving. There are eight of us in this group. We each shared what we learned researching different topics about Haiti. I know I learned so much more about the current state of Haiti. A group from EIU CCH just came back from Costa Rica and they shared with us things that might be helpful to know going on a mission trip. A couple of things really stuck out to me. One was to not go with a preset agenda or preset expectations. Sometimes I immediately start my list of what I want to happen when I go somewhere. The truth is, I don't know exactly how God wants to use me. If I go with a preset agenda, I will end up being disappointed that things aren't going the way I think they should. What God has planned far surpasses what I could ever expect. I want to go with the mindset that I will be flexible and open to God's leading. I will be looking for God in the little things, the seemingly insignificant moments of each day. Another thing that was stressed is to build relationships with people- the staff, the students, the other team members. The relationships I begin building will continue far after I leave Haiti. I have to make a conscious decision to listen and ask questions. So, as the days get closer, I am reevaluating what I want to get from this short trip to Haiti. My expectation is to watch God work in me and through me. The time will fly and I don't want any regrets about what I did or didn't do with what God has given me.

Relay for Life

Hannah and I went to Relay for Life at EIU for 4 hours tonight. I wanted to support Hannah and the team she was a part of. I had no idea the impact it would have on me. I was able to hold back the sobs as survivors walked the first lap and their families joined them. It was awesome to see people that came through such a difficult ordeal. I held back tears as several survivors gave testimonies of their long journeys. However, I lost it when we lit bags with names of people to honor that surrounded the gym. I bought one for Angela Taylor, who went home to be with the Lord, and Hannah bought one for my Grandma Lowery, who survived cancer. I cried tears of sorrow for the many I lost to cancer this last year. I cried tears of joy for those I know who have survived. I am thankful for my sister grabbing my hand as we walked silently around the gym. Together we remembered. Tonight I saw hope, joy, pain, sorrow, and determination on the faces of many of the walkers. It was the first time I have participated, but it won't be the last! 

30 Days of Prayer

God has led me to pray each day this month for something specific regarding my mission trips this summer. I am sharing these so that you can stand with me in prayer (as God leads you) as I prepare and am gone May through July. I have a certainty in my heart that this time is preparing me for something bigger, so I want to cover it in prayer.

Day 1: Financial Fundraising- God is providing what I need, when I need it!
Day 2: Spiritual discipline to be in the Word daily- stand on the truth
Day 3: Wisdom on what to do or not do- how to help the people, not hurt them
Day 4: Relationships with my teammates- that we'd be one minded and build lasting friendships
Day 5: Leadership at Sonlight as they make decisions about the school- the teachers
Day 6: Leaders of Haitian Christian Outreach- the organization we r working with the 2nd part of trip
Day 7: Leadership at Broken Arrow Bible Ranch- full time staff as they prepare for and run camp
Day 8: Stability of the economy in Haiti
Day 9: Open hearts for those we talk to in Haiti and New Mexico- campers in my cabin
Day 10: That I'd be open to the Spirit's leading every moment
Day 11: Patience with myself and others
Day 12: Humility
Day 13: Protection from spiritual warfare- the enemy rages when God works
Day 14: That God would give me the words to say when I need them- or just be quiet and listen
Day 15: Boldness to share the Gospel and speak the truth
Day 16: Unconditional love for those I serve- not judgmental
Day 17: Faithfulness in everything, even the seemingly insignificant things
Day 18: Peace, especially in the midst of trials and turmoil
Day 19: Positive attitude not dependent on emotions or circumstances
Day 20: That joy would permeate from my life
Day 21: Open doors for the future God has for me- in His timing
Day 22: Willingness to jump in and do whatever is needed
Day 23: Strong prayer life- not worry but take everything to God
Day 24: That I'd be content with what I have and where I'm at
Day 25: That God would bring others into my life to walk this journey with me
Day 26: Good weather
Day 27: Safety in all the activities we do
Day 28: Emotional strength to process what I see and hear- Haiti will be quite different
Day 29: Physical strength- it has to come from God, because I have learned I can't do it on my own! (not be too exhausted or sick)
Day 30: Safe traveling- that all our flights would be on time, traveling around Haiti