Pre-Intro

This post is for everyone that did not receive the privilege of a preface to my introductory post.

So let's back up a few steps.

This year God has done great things in my life. He has become more alive and more real to me than ever before. Though my theology has changed a bit and my worldview has been significantly altered, my faith in His precious blood, in His plan for my life, and His love for the world around me has only been strengthened.

Perhaps the biggest shift that took place in my walk this year however, came with my first international mission trip to the country of Panama over Spring break. The expedition, in all its prep and its final realization, served as a MAJOR turning point in my life. I now recognize that God has placed within me, a great and mighty passion, a compassion for the nations, an unquenchable thirst to help and love and share His message and His love. He has opened my eyes to the incredible needs, both physical and more importantly, spiritual around the world. And now He has given me a new opportunity to help fill those needs and use this passion for His glory...in the country of Thailand!

June 3^rd through July 26^th, I will be placed in the tsunami-stricken fishing village of Baan Nam Kem to join a group of long-term Christian missionaries (headed by Jason and Poh Lai) in their recently built Community Development Center (CDC). I will be paired with an old friend and now 1-year missionary, Colleen Grant, to teach kids aged 4-6 years old in their after-school child care program, as well as teenagers in their English and computer classes. A lot of my work will involve lesson planning and preparation, research for materials, playing, singing, dancing, and just loving on the kids throughout the week.

So basically… my dream job! All in the amazing name of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

With all that said, YES I am INCREDIBLY EXCITED to be going abroad, to get this AWESOME opportunity....

And with THAT said, YES I am INCREDIBLY SCARED and WEARY of going...moreso as my time for departure rapidly approaches and reality seems to be setting in on a whole new level.
So, Ill be needing prayer, as the previous post pleaded for. Keep em coming! I need some courage and a couple things to come together quickly and correctly (vaccines, visa, etc).

I love you all- our Lord is Great!