Taking a Step

Hello!

I know it hasn’t been a week, but I am posting anyway because I will be leaving tomorrow.  Many of you may remember the fundraising campaign I did last fall with my family and friends.  You may also remember that we won the award for most money raised.  However, what you may NOT know, is that in winning the contest, we also won a missions trip opportunity.  Although Terry officially won the trip, he decided to give it to me since I was the campaign manager.

I am extremely humbled and grateful for the opportunity!  That said, it has been a whirlwind of busyness getting ready for it, and there are so many people I have to thank.

First, I want to thank the Lord for giving me this opportunity and for having His hand on this process throughout the whole thing.  I’m trusting Him for peace and strength every step of the way.

Second, I want to thank my parents.  My mother made sure I had everything I needed to bring on this trip, and my dad made sure I had hotels and flights figured out.  Plus, their love and support is something that I couldn’t do this without.

Last but not least, thank you to all of my friends and family who have showered me with prayer and loving-kindness (not just on this trip, but always).  So, in no particular order :), thank you to Jeff and Tina Moulton, Josh Hall and Kimberly Griffith, John Anderson and Krista Davis, Kristine Oppong, Lance and Julie Vrieze, Lucy Meath, Amy and Rachel Hall, Eve Plozizka, and Miriam Warren.  I love you all!

I have two specific goals for this missions trip:

1 – To Grow Stronger in My Faith

I want to come back from this trip spiritually renewed, with a greater understanding of God’s love.  I pray that He will strengthen my faith and pull me closer to Him.

2 – Make a Long-lasting Impact on the People We are Going to Serve

I don’t want to just look like we are making a difference, I want to actually make one.  I pray that our team is able to show the people we have been called to serve how much Jesus loves them.  I pray that we are able to have a big impact and change peoples’ lives for the better.

It’s been an emotional ride, but I’m here now.  I was scared to take the leap at first, but gentle prodding from friends and family, as well as the Holy Spirit’s nudge, showed me that this is an opportunity worth taking.  I am doing my best, and trusting God with the rest 🙂

 

Until next time,

Hope Frances