I can honestly tell you that I know very little about India. I didn't have it in the back of my head that I would ever go to India and I certainly wasn't planning on going on a mission trip anytime soon. So when the opportunity to go to India came up, I was surprised to find myself not only wanting to go, but knowing I needed to go. There are three reasons why I know this is what I need to do.
About two months ago I was at my normal spot for a Tuesday night, Kairos - a single's group at Grace Church of Eden Prairie- and a few of the leaders of the group got up in front and started to describe the trip to India and a few things they were planning on doing. Their description included working with orphans, destitute women, and later I found out we will be working with inner city kids. For those people that know me at least a little bit they know that I work in an inner city high school and I have a passion for bringing hope to the hopeless.
When I started teaching eight years ago I made a decision that I would do something significant with my time off while I was single and didn't have children. I wanted to work in an orphanage or go on mission trips or volunteer at a homeless shelter. In the eight years that I have taught I haven't done any of those things. I am sure I had good reasons for it, but I wasn't doing what I set out to do with my time off. This trip fell over my spring break- which is normally at the end of March but this year is the middle of March.
Lastly, I am willing and I am able to go. I am single with no kids. I don't have house or anyone depending on me. I have the time off, I have a passion to work with people in need, and I desire for people to not only know of Christ's love but to experience it through meeting their needs.
After having a few conversations with some close friends and family members, I made the decision that I would apply. I was accepted a couple weeks later and I have been pursuing it ever since. Some people have been concerned about the financial aspect of the trip. I can honestly tell you that I am not worried. Not even an ounce. God owns everything! If he desires for me to go, which I believe he does, then the money will come in. I have experienced his financial provision over the last thirty years. I have yet to find him not provide for my needs especially when I have been responsible with what he has blessed me with.
I look forward to what God has in store for this trip. I appreciate all the prayerful and financial support that I have already received. My goal is to keep those interested up to date on how I am doing and specific prayer requests that I have through out this entire process.
