Day One: A Journey at Day Break 5/31/2016

 As I sit in the Denver airport waiting on a red eye flight to board, I look forward to the journey and opportunities God has given me to serve with Cru in Ocean City, Maryland. I am so very grateful for the love and support surrounding me. You all, my friends and family, have come along side me and given me not only financial support, but also prayed for me and what God has in store, and for that I am thankful.

If you would have asked me six months ago what I would be doing this summer, my answer would have most likely been “working at Kingsoopers again.” I never thought I’d be going half way across the country, to a summer mission, where I know no one, have to raise support, and have no idea what is planned for me. Those of you who know me well, know that I’m a control freak. I needed to be in control of my future.

 During fall retreat I had heard stories of people who went on summer missions and it seemed like just another mission trip. The volunteer leader for my campus at Grove City, Tina, assured me it was not. Many people who have gone on Summer Mission including both my parents, Tina, and family friends told me it would be life changing, and not in any way I could imagine. As my father said at breakfast yesterday “this summer is like a package, you don’t know what is in it, but it’s going to be good, so hand over all your anxiety to God and jump into the package and see what God has in store.”   

I’m nervous. I would be a fool if I didn’t admit that I am worried, granted it’s in my DNA, so being anxious is unavoidable. I’m worried that I won’t make enough money for school this year, that I won’t get a job quickly, or have to wait to start my job later than others. The idea of going by myself to a state so far away from home and having to make friends is unsettling. I know, you all think I’m crazy… That’s what I did for college, I’m very outgoing and great at making friends. It’s true my college experience is similar to what I will be doing this summer, but I’ve always thought I’ve been good at making acquaintances, not breaking through the surface level and making true friends. I’ve been trying to give my worries to God, to be continually praying that he has control of this summer and to have no expectations and be pleasantly surprised. He provided all of my support didn’t he? Why shouldn’t he, he was the one that provided when I was concerned about financing the project, and I know that this summer, he is going to do something wonderful.