Serbia

I have been really behind with this, I'm sorry. There has been a lot happening, but that would be an especially long post and my posts are already particularly lengthy! So I'm going to let you know about Serbia =)

I'M GOING TO SERBIA!!!! And in case you can't tell, I am also very, very excited about it! I don't know why I am excited about it, because I don't get excited about things like this that involve sharing my faith with complete strangers in foreign countries where you can't understand anything anyone says because they're either speaking another language or have a really thick accent. It's incredible!

We our training weekend this past weekend and it was fantastic. Terrifying, but fantastic! We go a lot of good information and we started some team bonding which was very cool. The people that are going are truly amazing. A bunch are going for the second, third or even fourth time. It never ceases to amaze me the kind of people that God puts together in one place to do something. I'm really excited to be going with all these people that I don't know very well, but I'm really, really excited to be going with some friends that I DO know from CSUP, Aaron, Anna, Barry =) I love them all and they rock my socks off. As much as I would love for other people from our campus to be coming with us as well, I know that God set the four of us apart to go together. There is a certain dynamic there that just makes sense. I can't explain it, but it's very cool.

So while we are in training Jay, who is the direction for the region of Southern Colorado for Campus Crusade, was really honest with us about the people there and the kinds of challenges we face. A lot of it was intense, and I won't go into great detail, but the gospel can be rejected in a very harsh way there. I'm sure that's not much different from any other country, but from what I understand Serbia has been a "missionary grave yard" for many years. After hearing the history of that country... I just hurt for them. And after Jay was finished talking to us I really didn't know how I felt about the trip. I really kind of wanted to back out, because it's just intense, way intense. However, on the otherside of that fear was an equally intense feeling that I needed to go. I know that I can't just walk away from this, I can't just not go. It's simply not possible. So I resolved to go through with it and trust God the whole way and not back down, even though I know at some point, or even many points, I will want to. I will not allow myself that option, the option to chicken out or take the easy road when the hard road is the one worth traveling. When the hard road is the one that NEEDS to be traveled.

After the weekend was over I still didn't know if I was going to be accepted. And my dear friend Anna who is always so completely honest with me, which is something I truly love about her, pointed out that I haven't been living in faith about it. I needed to stop saying "if I go" and start saying "when I go" kind of a thing, and she also pointed out some pride issues in my life, and it was really good. I appreciate her in-my-face honesty because I know she says it always out of love, and it's actually helpful. So I started saying when I go, and I'm working on the pride thing, because there isn't room for that on this trip, and sure enough Monday I got the call that I'm going!!! Hallelujah! Amen! I'm happy! =D

Now I have $4,500 to raise by May 15th, we leave June 5th and return July 20th. If you are interested at all in partnering with this ministry please send me your address and I will send you a support letter. If you will partner with us in prayer I would encourage you to start praying now. There are going to be some serious spiritual dangers on this trip and prayers are the back bone of a ministry. My team, and I, will appreciate any help you can offer.

And that is the Serbia update for today, more to come ;)

Much love you! And peace, and abundant blessings!