Joplin

Becca and I head out tomorrow morning with our church youth group.  I am going as a parent leader and a nurse.  This has already been a journey for me.  I have such a dislike for fund raising.  I hate asking anybody for anything, much less money.  I am so grateful and I say "thank you" to any of you who contributed to our cause.  We are not aware of who contributed or how much the donations were.

I resisted going on this trip, in the beginning.  I didn't want my summer to be impacted and the thought of working in hot, buggy, muggy Missouri, really didn't sound like my idea of summer fun. I prayed about it and I really felt led to go.  Every step of the way, God has reassured me that he wants me to do this.  For me, this is about just doing what God is asking me to do.  This is not about me. This is about him. This is about trusting him and being a positive role model for 25 teens.

Granny has been put in Hospice.  She may pass away while I am there.  Laura and I have had the worst week ever. These are the things I will be thinking and praying about while I am there.  I would like peace concerning my "Granny". I need peace and discernment concerning Laura.  I am thinking that a week of work, reflection and prayer should help me in these areas.

We had our family information/going away dinner last night.  I have to say, I loved it.  I am so proud to be going with these people.  The kids crack me up.  I am amazed at their positive attitudes and willingness to work.  I KNOW I will get closer to each and every person on this trip.  I know that God is already fulfilling his purpose and showing me why I am going.

We will leave VERY early tomorrow morning and drive throughout the day.  We should arrive in Joplin tomorrow night.  I am so excited to see what God is doing and why he chose "me" to go on this trip.  Please pray for our safety both as we drive and as we work.  Please pray for our families as we are gone.  Most of all, pray that we are all able to be "Jesus with skin on".  

Until a week or so, TTFN.