Well, at least until I continue in my pathetic attempts to pack, then everything begins to feel a bit more real. I really am going back to Norway and Latvia this summer, I really will be able to see the same kids from my study last time, the same kids I fell in love with, and I really do have to fit clothing and necessities for 8 weeks into my hiking backpack...oh yay! and oye vey! :)
and before I head out, here are a few things that have been on my mind lately:
-- memorizing 1 Peter...an incredible book. My study Bible introduces 1 Peter with having a key word of suffering and a central theme of victory over suffering. I am confident and eager for God to use this book of Scripture to grow my teammates and I into men and women who place their full hope and joy in the One who is to come- the One who is Just, who never forsakes, who loves beyond comprehension, the One whose ways cannot be understood, and the One who will be praised and glorified for all of eternity. And I pray for all those we encounter, that we may always be prepared to give the reason for the hope that we have, but with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15).
-- I was blessed by a sermon on fellowship the other day, and, in all seriousness, it was one of the best sermons I have heard on this subject. If you're interested, you can listen to it here: http://my.ekklesia360.com/Clients/sermonaudioplayer.php?CMSCODE=EKK&siteid=2060&sermonid=63468&useSkin=skin_plain.xml&CMS_LINK=http://my.ekklesia360.com
I pray for this fellowship of the saints amongst my team, and the girls on the team. I pray for the challenge and the sweet result- provoking one another on toward love, sincere, deep love, flowing from a pure heart... I would share my notes with you, but I'm pretty sure I just rewrote the entire sermon :) If you listen to it, I assure you it won't be a waste of your time, and if by chance it is...well, then I don't know what to tell you :)
-- the reality of the situation...what will this summer look like?
- 4 1/2 weeks in Norway: major construction projects, discipleship camp, engaging with the youth in town, camping and hiking excursions...I will be difficult to reach during this period as I will have very limited access to a computer. I am hoping, though, to update my blog about once a week and work through emails about every other week (this is the ideal, which may not be possible, but i will try!)
- 2 1/2 weeks, or so, in Latvia: Bible, English, and sports camp with an orphanage and about 70 youth from town. 3 days prior to the camp, and 3 days following, we will be in the capitol city of Riga preparing and then debriefing. I will be able to write a few times while in Riga, but I will have no computer access at camp... which I love! (being without technology can be great fun)
- 1 week in Italy: this week is not a part of the Norway/Latvia trip, but is sure to be a blast...I am going with the team directors and their two little boys as a nanny and a friend :)
- Please pray for: Open eyes and open hearts, amongst both our team and all those we meet; unity, fellowship of the saints; a team that prays without ceasing; a desire for growth; servant hearts; that we would spend and be spent; and that God would reign victorious in our hearts, our team, and every kid at camp in Latvia.
- all in all: God has excited me beyond words for this summer and I cannot wait to experience all that He has planned. I am excited and eager for growth, challenge, hardships, laughter, unity, friendships, a broken heart, greater depth and intimacy with our Maker, and a greater awe of Him and His beautiful creation! I will take lots of pictures!!
"Jesus is the Son of God, the Heir of all things, the Father's agent in creation, the Radiance of God's glory, the exact representation of His being, the Sustainer of all things, the One who made purification for sins, the Exalted One."
All praise be to His name!
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