We were asked to write a blog about how we felt before leaving on this mission trip. Here is what I'm expecting...

 

Before I start writing all the things I'm expecting, let me just say that it's been hard to think of all the things I want and expect God to do over this next season in my life. I've been watiting for Him to do something in me that will change me forever, but I don't know what that will be. I know that He's going to do this something during the Novas Project, and that's why I'm so excited about His calling in my life to be a part of this program! God gave some scripture to get me through this time of waiting, and I just wanted to share it with you guys. Philippians 4:6-7 says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace that transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

 

My Expectations:

 

-I expect to be so transformed by Christ love, that my relationship with Him now won't even begin to compare with what it will be when I get back home.

-I expect to be humbled to the point of a life of brokeness for Him.

-I expect to learn to be extremely flexible and willing to do whatever God asks of me. I know this process will be frustrating and stressful at times because I like to have a plan, but I know that God works outside and beyond our plans.

-I expect to get homesick and have an intense desire to see my friends and family back home.

-I expect to sometimes have a desire to simply not do anything, and I know that it will be a battle at times to keep going.

-I expect to have to depend on God's strength to get through each day.

-I expect to become family with the people, staff, and missionaries on this trip. 

-I expect to see God do miracles that I've never seen before.

-I expect God to use me in ways that will make me feel awkward at times!

-I expect to have to be called daily to the walk on the waters of the unknown!

-I expect to become so attached to the people were ministering to that when I leave, I'll feel like I'm leaving a part of me there.

-Iexpect to grow a longing for God's Kingdom, both here on earth and in heaven.

-I expect to fulfill the Great Commission and the signs that accompany those who believe (Mark 15:15-18).

-I expect there to be spiritual battles daily.

-I expect to have to fast and spend time in intense prayer for some of those battles.

-Overall, I expect God to blow all our expectations out of the water. I expect Him to do the impossible! Because, the impossible for us, is ordinary for Him!!!

 

 

Those are my expectations for the trip! If I have more along the way I'll add them on later!

 

I expect to see you guys soon,

Jon