We were asked to write a blog about how we felt before leaving on this mission trip. Here is what I'm expecting...

The mission trip is still months away, but I am so excited about it. I know that this will be a life changing experience for me. I cannot wait to see what God has in store. I am expecting a lot of challenging times not only physically and emotionally, but spiritually as well. I know that I am going to be pushed out of my comfort zone when it comes to everyday things like food and other daily activities that we take for granted. I would say that I get very emotionally involved in others lives and I know that seeing the kids and families there will really have a toll on me emotionally. I also expect that my relationship with God will be strengthened from this trip and I hope to see my spiritual life grow as a result of going on this mission trip.

Even though I am more excited than words can describe, I am also nervous about the whole trip. I do not know anyone else going and I am worried about that. I am also just nervous about going to a foreign country. I would ask that the team pray for my nerves of traveling overseas and meeting all of the new people on the team. I would also ask for prayers concerning the focus and spiritual preparation I need to make for this trip. There are so many things that I get distracted by with my busy schedule and just finding time to prepare my heart for this trip is very important.

I really hope that God uses the time on this trip to really prepare me for what I am going to be doing after graduating college. I am not sure what I want to do after graduation. The only thing I know is that I want to work with kids in some way and whether that is in a social work type situation or with missions I am not sure. Besides looking to the future, I really hope God uses this trip to strengthen my relationship with Him.