the word for this post is challenged
For the last 6 years, I've always gone to Mexico for spring break. It's where my heart is. It's the place that I've grown up and watched the kids grow up! It absolutely broke my heart to find out that college had a different spring break this year than high school. I will be completely honest, I was angry and upset. I didn't understand why God would take that trip away from me. The trip that I counted down until every year. Literally. I couldn't wait... and now I couldn't go. Not to sound dramatic, but how was I supposed to survive without seeing my kids this year and being in the place that I loved more than anything else?
When spring break plans started being talked about, I found myself not thinking about anything but Mexico. I was dwelling on something that was completely out of my hands and something that I couldn't control. So what was it that the Lord wanted me to do for spring break? It was all revealed to me one Sunday at church when they started talking about Amplify which was a mission trip to Port St. Joe, Florida. No this was not Mexico, but maybe this is where I was supposed to be this year. Maybe He has put this on my heart for a reason. So I went with it. Not only that, but so did my friends. There were so many of us that went to this lost city and bring the news of Jesus Christ to this dying place.
Let me preface this by saying that whenever I went to Mexico, there was that language barrier so it was more of showing them the love of Christ instead of telling. It came easy. Play with the kids, laugh with them, take pictures, tell a short Bible story, and really focus on how I am making a difference in these kids lives. I was so selfish in doing this because I felt like I was often doing it to make myself feel good. I was so wrong in this. When I signed up for Amplify, I put myself on community outreach- thinking I would be doing the EXACT same thing, playing with the kids. I kept telling myself "Oh, well I'll just make it Mexico." What I quickly realized once I got down there was that it wasn't just about the kids. I was challenged to go into houses and share the Gospel with adults. I've always been one that can talk to both kids and adults about anything, but what about those things that not all of them want to hear? This was probably one of the hardest things I've ever done because some of the people of Port St. Joe just don't want to hear it. I didn't have the language barrier as an excuse anymore and I was expected to walk into these people's houses and share with them my faith and why I knew that after I died, I was going to Heaven. Yes, I still got to hang out with kids a lot, but it wasn't hanging out with them 24/7 like I had done in Mexico.
So yes, this was such a challenging week, but there was so much growth this week that it was incredible. No, it wasn't Mexico, but I really do feel like I was supposed to go there this year. The Lord was sovereign throughout and I was able to do far more than I ever thought possible. I have learned that everything happens for a reason. Sure I didn't get to go to Mexico this year, but I went to Port St. Joe and it was awesome! Plus, I got to send off the Mexico team on Saturday and it was great....sad, but I know that they are having an awesome time!!!
My sweet friend George who accepted Christ during the week!
so thankful for these precious friends and their love for the Lord!
you're incredible emily!
sugamomma!
unspeakable joy!!
I guess my biggest thing is that I always thought of mission trips as going out of the country to serve, but what I failed to see is how much our country needs our help too! I came back from the trip ready to serve with such a grateful heart for everything I have.
have a wonderful week :)
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