This mission trip has been months in the planning. We bought the tickets back in May when we had no money to buy tickets. God provided the funds. We committed to the trip when we had no idea what December would bring. God opened the doors. Life has been so crazy with these constant ups and downs that often Bruce and I gasp in weariness from living in a constant state of crisis. Yet God calms our storms, brings us peace and offers us unexpected moments of rest and refreshment. When we think we cannot take another step, face another problem, or manage one more moment of conflict, God gives us grace. It's no wonder my mantra has been one of my favorite verses, from Corinthians.... "My grace is sufficient for you, my power works best in your weakness."
What a gift! What a God!
And so we head out tomorrow, excited about how God will stretch us and grow us in this latest adventure. We are reminded of the unwritten beatitude, "blessed are the flexible for they shall not get bent out of shape." I am chuckling as I write this, thinking of the surprises, both pleasant and NOT so pleasant that have come down just in the last 24 hours for those on our team. And it won't be the last of them. Mission trips-- no, LIFE -- has it's moments. It's a wild ride but one that Bruce and I wouldn't want to miss. Good or bad, we are in this for the long haul.
Our Christmas day will be very different as we will be traveling home after our 2 weeks of living, learning and loving in Costa Rica. Working with the orphans is sure to be an eye opening experience, celebrating Christmas in a foreign country is sure to be one as well. We go with open hands, hard feet and soft hearts. We take you with us in our hearts and look forward to sharing about our adventures here on the blog.
Looking forward to reading your updates; you've been in my prayers for the trip; I know amazing things will happen in your work spreading God's message!
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