Journey to Colombia

In just 2 short weeks, I will be in the beautiful Colombia.
  I have been planning and praying for this trip for months.
I am ready.

 People keep asking me if I am nervous about going. I don't even have to hesitate about it- No, I really am not. I know that this trip, in this timing, has been part of my planned path before I even knew about it. So, no, I am not nervous.

As I prepare to go, I want to share a few pieces that have occurred on this journey for me over the last couple of months. These are reasons I am not nervous; reasons why I know this is part of my path for this time in life.

 First of all, all my funding came in. If you remember a few months ago, I shared here about how Colombia came to be for me, but how raising funds was part of my concern. Why I ever doubt the hand of God will always amaze me. I hope one day I get beyond those worries. He always provides. He has made it clear that this is meant to be for me. Let me share with you the final piece of my funding. It was late December, and I needed another $300. I prayed over it (as I had been doing all along) and had watched God provide for months, so I knew He would, I just wasn't sure how. The deadline for my final amount was approaching. Wouldn't you know, someone gave that exact amount, to the dollar, for my trip?? While I should not have been surprised, I was a little. I wasn't expecting that.
  He says in Matthew, "ask and you shall receive..." Of course there is more context to that verse, but I prayed diligently over this and He showed up in an amazing way. That experience alone has been one that has grown my faith to new levels.
    And any time I felt discouraged over the changes in friendships I have experienced the last many months, I have been reminded by people's generous giving to my trip, that I am loved. And even those who did not or could not give but have asked "how can we pray for you?" .... those words (and actions, both) have spoken volumes to my heart.

 A second way I have seen God's hand in this is an awesome story I want to share. When we go over there, there is a clinic that was built by this same mission group with whom I am traveling. The clinic serves countless patients in the area. So, we are taking medical supplies that they cannot attain so readily over there. I began asking around for donations to this, but in the beginning, without response. However, the coolest event transpired out of this. I made a call to  #KetteringHealthMissions  and their response blew me out of the water. They have an entire warehouse dedicated to such events as our mission group. They get supplies donated or have an overage at the hospitals.... and they store all of these items in their warehouse. When people such as myself reach out to them, guess what?? They have an entire place filled with items to choose from which we could take over there! I was able to go in and fill 5 suitcases worth of items to take to Colombia. I felt like a kid in a candy shop. I didn't necessarily know what every item was that I was putting away to take, but I felt excited over this. And I cannot wait to share this blessing with the Colombians! It's not about me... and while I give a great big THANK YOU to #KetteringHealthMissions, God is so good in having opened this door for our team.

 So, if you ask me if I'm nervous about going... I will tell you no. Because every step of the way I have seen God's hand in this journey. I know that leaving my family for 9 days will be a new undertaking, so that doesn't make me nervous, but it sits in the back of my mind.
  I'm not nervous about speaking the language again.... I am excited to do so! I am sure I will make mistakes or have to Say, "Despacio por favor" (slow down, please) But I am sure that it will come back to me in a second nature kind of way. In case you didn't know, I am a bit passionate about the Latin culture and their language. :)

 This trip has already become a transforming experience, and I simply cannot wait to see what more will transpire in my heart and life through this. There won't be the normal every day amenities over there such as we have here, but I am ready to gain that fresh perspective.
  My journey to Colombia has been in the making now since my friend KP first went years ago. But, I am confident it's going to be a life changing event.  I can't wait to share it with you.
   I close with this photo of the children in Brisas del Mar, where we are going, which I grabbed off the mission group page. Check it out if you have time and follow us while we are there! Mission to Colombia