T-20 Days.

I should be studying for my final that I have to take 1 1/2 hours from now.

Instead, I thought I would share some thoughts I have had lately.

The closer the day of my departure comes, the more real this trip becomes. I have been continuously praising the Lord for His graciousness to let me participate in this. These two months present an incredibly unique experience that will undoubtedly prepare me better for my future roles in serving the Lord. It's really neat to see how He placed on my heart the desire to work with a youth ministry as an intern this summer...but then, He provided the opportunity to fulfill this desire overseas. This is combining two desires of my heart - the desire to minister and form relationships with people younger than myself, and my desire and heart for the nations.

Not to mention that it's Australia. If you have known me my whole life, you know that I have always wanted to go to Australia. You also may know that there was no solid reasoning behind it - I was always intrigued by the continent; I liked the idea of traveling there, but for no reason that I could really put my finger on. Ask my brother - he knows just how long I have been wanted to go. Now I can see how it has been the Lord's hand drawing my heart to these people, stirring up the desire in me to minister to them. What an incredible opportunity!

I'm also so glad to see how His timing is so perfect. I could have traveled there just for a vacation trip if I had wanted. Instead, He has given me this higher calling; an opportunity to serve Him. That makes the "trip" so much more meaningful and special and memorable!

I know that it is only for two months, but that is two months of the Lord's time. It says in 2 Peter 3 that "with the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day." Who are we to know what the Lord can accomplish in a day? Or what works He can begin in two months, and see to fruition in years? All I know to do is to go, to serve Him, to follow His leading, and to trust Him for the rest. And that is what Jesus meant by saying "My yoke is easy and my burden is light" (Matt. 11:30) - we can lay it all at His feet, following Him and trusting Him. He takes the weight of responsibility and leaves us with the freedom and joy of doing His work.

So, thinking about that gives me peace about my trip. I know that He will accomplish what He sets out to accomplish. I am just a tool of His to be used. And that gives me peace and excitement.

I was reading through Acts last night, reading about Paul's missionary journeys. They inspired me and gave me courage. How incredible, to think back to 2,000 years ago when the early church was just forming; look where we are now! And to think that I have to honor and privilege to be a part of the movement.

I hope this explains why I am going for some of you. Sometimes when I am explaining my trip, it doesn't feel quite like a "mission" trip as most people think about them. And it's not, really. It's more like an internship in another country. I won't be building a well, or an orphanage, or teaching English, but I will have the unique opportunity to really minister and go deep with people from another culture. I couldn't ask for a more perfect opportunity for me.

Blessings to you all! Continue to pray for my preparations and the hearts of the people I will encounter; and thank you, thank you thank you.