7 Days!!

HOLY COW.

Seven days until I leave for mission trip!!! I have packed, unpacked, and then avoided packing. I'm savoring the nights I can sleep in my own bed, and taking hot showers and washing my hair. I am also enjoying my fancy (and according to billy, complicated) coffee, and doing my best to not have mini panic attacks because it has finally hit me that I have absolutely no idea what I am walking into, and for the first time in my life, I wont even have the option to call my mom or dad to help me out. I actually have to rely on my team, and most important, God.

That's what I am so excited for, honestly. There will be nowhere to go but to God, and other people that I don't really know, that love Jesus with the same (or more) passion that I do. I have always wanted to go on a mission trip. That's what I wanted to be, a missionary. I remember a few years ago, my youth pastor, Matt, took me on a trip to this thing called CIY. It was a really fun and cool experience. Youth groups from all over the state (and even some from Washington and Idaho) came to celebrate and learn about Jesus. Kids were turning their lives over to Jesus, rededicating their lives, and it was amazing watching the holy spirit move. I know that I cried. A lot.

On the last day, they asked us if we wanted to have jobs in the ministry, like being pastors or youth ministers or missionaries. Things like that. I knew that I wanted to be, and it was just really cool to be a part of that group of kids that stood up. We were given resources an phone numbers to help us on our journey, and it was really cool because Matt was so excited. The point is, I knew. I've known. I remember being a kiddo in like, second grade, walking down the hall to the bathroom, telling myself that I was going to be alright because God sent me here for a really good reason. I was here to be a little light for Jesus.

Later in my high school years, I wanted to become a missionary and travel and write about the changes I saw and the way God worked in me as I worked for Him. Now, here I am. I'm terrified in the best way possible. I'm nervous, but I cant wait to go. I have no idea what I am doing, but I cant wait to see how the Lord uses me.

I will be taking tons of photos while I am in Chile! I will have a huge blog. I'm going to be journaling every day so I don't forget anything. I'm so nervous, but I am so so so excited and I just cant wait to see what God has planed for me!! Holy smokes guys.

Ephesians 1 3-14
3.  Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5. he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6. to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8. that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, 9. he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10. to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.

11. In him we were also chosen,  having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12. in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14. who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.

I am created by God, He designed me, so I am not a mistake
His son died for me, just so I could be forgiven
He picked me to be His own, so I am chosen
He redeemed me, so I am wanted
He showed me grace, just so I could be saved
He has a future for me, because He loves me
So I don't wonder anymore, I am a child of God
~Overcomer