We were asked to write a blog about how we felt before leaving on this mission trip. Here is what I'm expecting...
The thing I am expecting most is to be changed. I am thrilled to be a part of this trip. I feel a strong peace about going and cannot wait to see specifically how God will use me on this trip!
As I continue preparations, the trip becomes more real and less scary. So far, I have begun to raise support, gotten all of my shots, and started gathering all of the supplies I will need while I am there. With each step, I grow more excited about January...it's less than four months away now!!
I am most nervous about seeing what the living conditions will be while there. While I am willing to give up physical comfort, I am trying to be realistic about the difficulty of that. Just the culture shock alone will be hard...I've never even been to Africa; now I'm moving there for seven months! I am also nervous about the emotional difficulty that will occur because of the things I will see. I feel very called to orphan care, but recognize that it can be heart-breaking work.
I am praying that God unifies my team and allows us to work together well. I am also praying for opportunities to reach people with the Gospel and for the ability to form relationships with those I come in contact with.
Some specific verses that come to mind for this trip are:
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever. Amen. -Ephesians 3:20-21
"If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'" - John 7:37-38
We were asked to write a blog about how we were called to this mission trip. Here is my story...
The journey to this trip began in March 2008, when I began praying about what God wanted me to do following college graduation (to occur in August 2009). I read Red Letters by Tom Davis of Children's Hope Chest after someone recommended it to me and was very moved to become involved in the worldwide orphan crisis. It was really on my heart to pray specifically about how God wanted to use me to reach orphans. I have had a strong compassion for orphans for a long time now, but I have always assumed that meant I would adopt children one day. However, it gradually became revealed that I was going to do something a little more...
My college ministry took a trip to Tijuana, Mexico in March 2009. I was privileged to be a part of the team that ministered to orphans, repaired homes, handed out food, and most importantly, shared with people about the hope that comes through Jesus. It was a life-changing trip for me. It confirmed my calling to "...look after orphans and widows in their distress..." (James 1:27). After returning to the U.S., I felt that it was time for me to start looking into specific opportunities to go oversees for orphan care.
Some great friends of mine referred me to AIM in late July after a trip they took to Swaziland (this picture is from their trip!). I applied, interviewed, and was accepted within two weeks of hearing of AIM. I felt an unmistakable peace about the decision to accept the spot on the trip. I continue to be very excited about January!
Hello! My name is Ashley and I am a recent college graduate currently working with middle school students at an urban youth ministry. I love my work there and have learned so much from the experience. I am very involved in the college ministry at my church and enjoy both investing in and learning from other students...it has taught me to very much value community. I love to read (Fiction - Francine Rivers, Non-fiction - Tom Davis), listen to music and podcasts, and cook.
I can't wait for January! God has already taught me so much through the process of praying about this trip, applying, and accepting. I am so thankful for the people who have supported me through all of this.
