Mission Trip Angst

 

If all goes as planned

I will be in Belize at this point next week.

I heard about this trip via Facebook, 

Went to an interest meeting,

And walked away feeling like it was something that I wanted to do.

 

The team has four members,

The oldest of whom is in the 80s,

The youngest of whom is in his 20s,

The other of whom is in his 30s, 

And then there’s me,

The only female, 

Middle aged but really an old woman. 

We will meet up with the project leader when we get to Belize. 

This is his something like his 15th summer going.

 

I know that we have an extremely short layover in Charlotte, 

But I don’t know what we’ll do if we miss the connection. 

I know that we will be doing some type of physical labor in a small village in Belize, 

But I don’t know exactly what we’ll be doing when we get there. 

I know that it’s going to be very hot,

But I don’t know if it will be raining or sun-scorched.

I know that we’re supposed to have one day  to sight see, 

But I don’t know where will go. 

 

So for someone who likes to know things and have a plan,

To think through all the contingency options and what ifs, 

This is all a challenge, 

A leap of faith, 

A step out of comfort, 

A time to trust God to do what God does,

Whatever that is. 

 

I am expecting bumps along the way,

But I am hoping for a good, safe trip,

No major injuries or sicknesses, 

No problems with customs,

The humility to know when to rest,

The stamina to know when to work,

And the spirit to soak in the moments,

Though difficult some may be. 

 

I would love for you to pray with me for the safety and blessing of team

(Larry, Sean, Thomas, and Me,

Mike the Project Lead,

And the Belizian locals with whom we will work)

And for the work we will do to advance goodness and love in this world. 

 

Jesus asked us to take care of the least of these. 

And though our country is struggling to do this with legislation that cuts funding for the most vulnerable among us,

Other places are more than willing to answer God’s call. 

I’m thankful that I get to be part of answering God’s call…

Even if it is out of comfort and control. 

 

Amen.