So, as many of you know, I am going to Medora, ND this summer on an 11-week mission trip with Cru. I know, crazy right!? When I look back to how this all happened, I can truly see God's hand in leading me to where He wanted me to go. As I think about that more and more, I am truly humbled and amazed standing before His throne. I mean, really? Who am I that He chooses to use me, a wretched sinner who consciously chooses to stray away from the One who gave/gives her everything. It's incredibly humbling and it makes me all the more excited to go. I'm so excited (and nervous!) to meet my sisters and brothers in Christ, create life-long friendships, work with other college students from around the world, share the Gospel, enjoy the beautiful outdoors/scenery, all while learning more about Jesus and growing closer to Him! As sad as I am to be leaving my best friends and family for the whole summer, I cannot help but be excited to see what God has in store for me (and everyone else) in Medora!
As I said before, I have never felt God so clearly leading me than I have in these past few months. I was actually not even planning on going on a project this summer. My original hope was to work for YouthWorks, which is an organization that leads summer missions trips for middle and high school students. After I was denied a position there, I had to reconsider where God wanted me this summer. After praying, thinking, and talking it out, Medora Summer Project was on the forefront of my mind. As I look back now, I don't think I was completely sold on the idea at the time, but I applied anyway and was accepted. And as scary as this was, I knew that God was in this and He was right there with me (Deut. 31:8).
As I began the support raising process, I knew God was going to do great things, but I had no idea what that would actually look like. As encouraging letters and financial support came flowing in, I was in complete awe of what God was doing both in my life and in the lives of my supporters. You see, even though the amount of money some people gave was surprising, it was so much more than that. It was the people He chose to use that really surprised me. Here I was, receiving support from so many people I had least expected it from. Ironically enough, my two top supporters are the two people out of thirty that I have never even met! Gosh, God is so funny sometimes.
Through this whole process of preparation for my summer, the one thing that God has been slowly teaching me is how to trust Him with everything. Sure, I trust Him with certain things, like my friendships, grades, family, etc... but do I wholeheartedly trust Him with my life? Do I completely surrender everything to Him? These are the hard questions that He has been probing me with and I am slowly learning what it actually means to fully trust in Him (Proverbs 3:5-6). You see, trust is the one thing I struggle with the most, which mostly stems from the deep pain I've experienced from putting my trust in other people instead of in Christ. He is the One and only One who will truly never leave or forsake me because His promises are eternal and His love runs so deep (Romans 8:38-39).
As I consider all of these things, I am becoming even more excited for this summer. I can't wait to share Jesus with others and help them to fill their longing, empty void with the only One who will ever completely fill it. I'm also so stoked to meet my team of brothers and sisters who will be working alongside me this summer, while creating unforgettable memories and forming lasting friendships.
Well, I could go on and on and on, but I think I've rambled enough now. I love you all and if any of my supporters are reading this, I would like to especially thank you for your willingness to give and be a part of my ministry this summer. I will try my hardest to keep everyone updated on here throughout the summer. In light of this post, I am going to leave you all with one of my favorite verses. :)
"But those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint."
-Isaiah 40:31
