Only 3 days

Only three days away. We have been counting down since early summer. Some of you may know that the two of us are joining Trinity Harbor Church and Children's Relief International on a mission trip to Kolkata and Rajahmundry, India from October 9-19th. While we are there, we'll be leading vacation bible schools with children in the red light district and surrounding villages. We'll also visit the churches and water wells that have been built thanks to the generous funding from Trinity Harbor. Ultimately, we have been given an opportunity to share how much Jesus loves each and every person we meet.

We're currently at our desk jobs, stressing over emails and drinking juice. Oh how our lives pale in comparison to the hardships of those we'll encounter on our 10 day journey.  When the trip was months away, we were able to be excited and day dream of the adventure to come. Now that our departure is coming up in a matter of days, we're simply trying to keep it together. We remind ourselves that thus far it's been apparent that we are meant to embark on this mission because God has graciously provided a way. So why start worrying now?  It's important to prepare (emotionally, spiritually, and physically) but ultimately God is going to use us in India how HE has intended. Due to our spiritual preparation, we pray that we'll be in-tune with the Holy Spirit and quick to act in all situations we encounter. It was interesting yesterday to hear what the past few weeks have been like for all our teammates, many of who have been deep in spiritual warfare. Here is a bit of what's been going on with the two of us as we draw near to the trip.

Morgan: 

To be completely transparent, I have had been feeling pretty down on myself these last few weeks. There have been several occasions I've found myself feeling really emotional and wanting to cry. The smallest things would trigger thoughts like: "I'm not good enough", "I'm not leading others well", or "I'm not equipped to go to India". As I thought about it more, I realized that this is the work of the enemy trying to get in my head, to push me into isolation and to come between my relationships. Once I put this together, I knew it was spiritual warfare and it actually reinstated even more that I am supposed to go to India on this trip. I've been practicing taking my thoughts captive (2 Corinthians 10:5) and meditating on who I am in God's eyes-chosen, justified, redeemed, daughter of the most high king, heir to his kingdom and co-heir with Christ, beloved of God, blessed with every spiritual blessing, predestined with a purpose. Because the Holy Spirit dwells in me, I am filled with God's love and am ready to walk down the path he has prepared for me in India.

Hannah:

Ive been so distracted; distracted with work, distracted with relationships, distracted with day-to-day tasks, distracted with obligations, distracted with social life. Honestly lately, I've found myself angry about situations I can't control. I feel burnt out and instead of turning to God for rest I've been throwing myself more so into the very things that are draining me. Every day feels like I'm hit with multiple problems and emotional exhaustion. Well I realize I fell for it. What would Satan love more than making me feel exhausted and burnt out BEFORE I leave for a physically and spiritually taxing time? In times of weariness remind yourselves of the truth found in 1 John 4:4 that says,"Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." This verse only reminds me of God's greatness, the power within me and how He will use me in India despite of myself!

They couldn't be any cuter. Can't wait to wrap our arms around each of these precious kids. As we are nearing our departure to India, we need your prayers more than ever. We are so thankful for the amazing support we have and cannot wait to share this experience with all of you!