Pure Joy

As of today July 27th, the trip to Peru is paid for in full :) Whew, let me take a minute and breathe about that.

This past Sunday at church someone from our congregation spoke about his recent mission trip to the Dominican Republic with a basketball program through GO Ministries. He talked about the Joy of the children and of their passion to play the game but over shadowing all of that was their Passion for God. At prayer time multiple children would readily volunteer to pray or lead, the kids in my church have to be almost forced to offer up prayer in a large group setting, but he said here was little kids desiring to pray in front of groups around 150 children. Seeing a fellow church member so expressive and changed by his week in the DR, my hope for my trip shot through the roof.

The key thing that my friend in the DR noticed was that no matter what everything was done in God's time. It didn't matter how much planning we do or push for a certain agenda, God will always take a road not seen and that His way will always be better than ours.

This week I received in the mail a check for the funds that my friend had left over from his funding for the DR trip. This check was for the perfect amount for my trip. It put me flush with all that was needed. God provided through their trip for mine all in HIS time. It's doesn't matter that the money arrived past my deadline, or that all of the meticulous planning I had done for budgets was to no avail. This was HIS timing and it was PERFECT.

July already!?!?!?!

I can't believe that is it already the middle of July. I feel like this month only just started out! Here is a peak at my calendar from this month that might explain why I have neglected this blog :)

As the trip date looms near my heart flutters in anticipation and nervousness. How will I ever feel prepared to do something that is so huge and godly? This trip is not long, or extreme or radical but for me this is my everest. Going down there and sharing my faith so openly, having confidence to show others Christ is nerve wracking for me.

Trying to prepare for this 9 day adventure is all consuming. The details of everything I need to collect, to pack, to do is a long list that I feel will never end. And at the bottom is my budget which is so out of balance with my needs that I'm reaching a constant state of worry about funds that it is starting to distract me from what this is all about... the kids in Peru who are desperately seeking to be loved, to be shown God's unending love for THEM.

Emptying all my banks accounts here is an update on funding=
$145 still needed to pay Buckner for trip/airfare.
Estimated $100 for required VBS supplies to take with me.
Estimated $100 for medical vaccines.
$100 travel expenses.



I know the Lord will provide, its a deep comfort to my mind and heart that in the end He will deliver.

Please continue to pray for this opportunity!
Much Love :)