Mission Trip Day 1

I went on a mission trip last week. It was a kinda last minute decision because they needed someone in a pinch and I got this great opportunity and took it. I kept a journal and while it was originally intended to be kept private, I feel like it is supposed to be shared. So I am putting it up here and will post it one day at a time. {Bare with my sporadic Ping-Pong thought process} Hopefully you will get a glimpse of what I experienced and maybe even God will speak to you as He did me on this incredible journey.


June 10, 2015
Evening Journal
Before Departure
Even before getting on the plane I knew that I was supposed to be on this trip. I knew this because I was tested today. Literally I was in tears on arrival to the church where we were to caravan to the airport. I can't really verbalize my emotions; excited, scared, free, insecure, all of the above.
My motto, my prayer today peace, neutrality, love, tolerance
I am so thankful for the friendships I am creating, even if its with people I have known for years.
Maybe God will reveal even more this week. I pray so. It is getting easier to forgive. I have realized it is a daily choice to wake up and forgive. Over and over and over again. It makes me wonder how God does this every second. It brings me peace to forgive but it is still hard.

The missions mission verse is Romans 10:14-15
¹⁴ How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? ¹⁵ And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

 

On arrival
I never realized how naked and insecure I would feel outside of America's borders (except here I am North American and can't refer to myself as American). The protection and safety net given to me by the Constitution, military, laws are not the same here. Wasn't prepared for this feeling.
At our destination
We traveled here by air conditioned vans to another world. A world of outhouses, dirt, washboards, dust, a hot world, with hunger, pain and fear. (But today I was entertained, like a paying customer. I as served as if at a restaurant by people I was here to serve) But I do not pity the beautiful people around me. As I sit with my highlighted hair, pedicured toes, clean clothes and new backpack, I pity myself. This world has most of life figured out better than me. Peace, continentment, joy, loyalty, sacrifice, service, humility, gratitude are all here written on their smiles. This world, that some may pity, has the fruit of the Spirit. It is recognized immediately. Do I bare such fruit? I know why it is so hard for me to bare it, my soil is junked up with all of my crap and it is more difficult for the fruit to grow. I have a feeling this trip is going to impact me more than the Nicaraguans around me...