In 2003, I went on my first missions trip with Park Community Church. My sister had been many times and I was so excited to finally get to go. (I mean...speaking Spanish, working with kids, Latin America. Some of my favorite things!) It was my first taste of the Mission at Foundation for His Ministry in Vicente Guerrero, Baja California, Mexico. I was hooked. I went back in 2004 with another team.
In 2005, I went for the summer. I was now addicted. I went every single break I had from school and spent the summers of 2006 and 2007 down there as well. In 2008, I quit my job and moved down there to work in the Day Home with children with special needs. I thought I'd be there forever but God had other plans. (Namely, a little girl in Colombia.) I came home in April 2009 and picked up my life where I had left off.
I didn't visit the mission again for quite some time. I had some healing to do. I've since been for a few days at a time but I haven't been back for a full week since 2009 and I haven't been as part of a team since 2004. Until now. From August 7-13, 2016, I will be leading a group from North Darien Bible Church to my favorite place on earth. I can't wait to share this experience with some great people from a new chapter of my life.
Right now, we have a committed team of 5 (including Sara, my mother, and I) with quite a few possible team members. I can't wait to see who ends up in the final group!
It seems a little odd to me to be fund raising for a trip I've made before but things are a little different (and a little more expensive) with a group. (Although this is very reasonable compared to a lot of other trips.) I'll also have the added responsibility of leading the group! (I've lead senior trips to places like St Louis but I've never led a group on a missions trip.)
I'm waiting to hear if the team can accept tax-deductible donations through the church. (We aren't an official church sponsored trip at this point.) Until then, I have set up a youcaring link to accept donations for the trip if you feel led. All donations are very appreciated.
I have a blog post with current fund raisers. I'll update it up until the trip. Please check it out!
More than anything, I ask for your prayers. I've never led a missions trip before. This is all new to me. It's definitely different than planning a vacation or leading a school trip. Pray for the right people to join the team. Pray for safety. Pray for the team members hearts as well as the people we minister to. Pray for the staff at the mission.
Want to see a little more of what we'll be doing? Check out this video! (It was made when I was living there!)
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