Here we go!

Just writing to say we are on our way! I really appreciate all of the prayers and support! I've decided to study Habakkuk during the trip - feel free to join me (if you can find it! ;) )
Won't really have cell service, so I'll talk to you all when I get back!

Always,
Ann

My Comforter

Excitement has turned into fear lately. I've just been getting really nervous about our trip and especially about safety for the team. (Mom please stop reading now) Even more concerning than the thought of our team being prosecuted while there, is the risk for those we visit and minister to to be persecuted after we leave. Please use great discretion in sharing about our trip and do not share information about dates of travel, locations or this blog until after our return. I've updated recent posts appropriately.

Yet still, amongst this all, God has been so faithful in just meeting me in my fears. Leaning on him for peace, strength, and everything else....

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:9

"For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind." - 2 Timothy 1:7

My Joy

I'm getting SUPER EXCITED for our trip!

Today I had a great conversation with a friend who just returned from India on a similar trip. It was just so encouraging to hear his stories, excitement and learnings. No matter how much preparation I do, I feel like there will still be so much to learn. I'm starting to realize that I'll never be fully "prepared" for our adventures in-country.

Tomorrow is a full day with lots of trip activities - trying to calm myself down so I can finally fall asleep....

Counting down...

Saturday our big team had a "social" event - we went to dinner at an Indian restaurant and then watched Slumdog Millionaire. So stereotypical, I know, but it was really fun! I just really enjoyed getting to know more of the team! Then on Sunday night we met again to go through logistics (finding our our smaller teams and travel buddies, etc..) and walk through a study we've all been working through on seeking God's grace. It was a really tough and challenging study, but sooo good!

In other news, I've officially started a "to pack" pile! :) We don't have long (just 16 days) to get ready! Yikes!!! The trip is finally starting to feel real...

Meet the Team

It's getting close!

Not too long until we're on our way!

I'm so excited, but I feel like there is still just so much preparation left to do - I have all my immunizations and our passports are on the way to get visas... It's really the spiritual preparation that is my biggest concern right now. I'm really trying to make sure I get quality time with God each day. He continues to teach me more about patience and humility in preparation for this trip. Please pray with me for just really rich time in the Bible and focused quiet times of prayer.

"Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings" -Psalm 17:8

We have a plan!

Below is a very rough itinerary - it will likely change a lot over the next month (and even while we're there!) As you can see it's going to be a very full trip. Please continue to pray for our team's emotional, spiritual and physical readiness.

DAY 1: Leave Minneapolis
DAY 2: Try to sleep on planes...
DAY 3: Arrive in City #1
DAY 4: Ministry to women & children in villages; deliver food packets
DAY 5: Interact with seminary students & staff; Minister to children from inner-city slum
DAY 6: Break out to do smaller group service projects
DAY 7: Travel from City #1 to City #2
DAY 8: Visit home for the destitute; Minister to children in a school for the underprivileged
DAY 9: Village ministry to women and children
DAY 10: Youth retreat for Christians; Depart
DAY 11: Arrive in Minneapolis

** Details edited out for safety.

Thank you!

Thanks for all of the support and encouragement! It has been so awesome to connect with all of you. I cannot wait to see all of the ways God continues to answer our prayers!

Just wanted to share a few prayer requests:

- For unity in our team. Though there are 9 of my co-workers who are going, it's really important that we're well integrated into the larger group. One team, one dream.

- For financial support for the team. Several members have had difficulty raising support and don't have the means to fund the trip on their own.

- I'll soon be sourcing holiday lights, cards, wrapping paper and bags - yes, it will literally be Christmas every day for me... I'd really appreciate extra prayers around my transition to the new dept and for the team to be open to hearing about my trip.

Please keep me posted on your lives and also let me know how I can be praying for each of you!

Always,

Ann