Well, first of all, I have to say that I love the fact that I can see how people are doing just by visiting their blogs, which is inevitably why I decided to create one. However, I do not how this will plan out, so bear with me through the beginning.
This summer has definitely turned out to be full of surprises. While at school this past semester, I had no idea what would await me and I have to admit that God was full of surprises. After dreaming of different trips I could take this summer, I arrived in Loveland, Colorado, with dreams and one plan: to find a job. That adventure took alittle over a week and I ended up finding two jobs during that time: one at Hobby Lobby and one at New York & Company. Let me just add that having two jobs this summer was not present in my dreams. I came to the conclusion during the first couple of weeks back that God wanted me to remain in Loveland and work all summer and at that time, I was okay with that. But whoever said we know God's plans?
My first realization of that this summer was when the youth leader at my church asked me to join the youth group on their trip this summer. Earlier this year...in February or March, I had asked her if I could be a sponser on the trip. At that time, however, the position was taken. When that person's plans changed, so did mine. I am thrilled that I am going on my seventh mission trip with the Loveland Nazarene youth group. Only two more days until we hit the road in the direction of Nashville, Tennessee. I have to admit that I am excited for our little group of 8!
Even with the time winding down, I still do not believe that the reality of it has hit, and maybe that is the reason why I have barely started to get ready to go. =] That is my excuse anyways.
At the beginning of this last semester, I remember arguing with my mom about my plans and dreams for this summer. Of course, I had dreams of traveling the world or at least the United States. And in my mind, the best way to do that was on a mission trip. At that time, however, nothing was working out. My mom told me that I might just have to settle for living at home and working and that didn't sound very adventurous to me. I sincerely hoped to travel on a mission trip, but I finally decided that if I was to go somewhere God would have to work it out...since nothing I was trying was working.
During that time, I also had brief contact with a friend of mine who lives in Argentina about the possiblity of me going out to visit. No possiblities arose, however, until the end of April and with the coming of May that possiblity fell through also. That was about the time I decided I was going to stay in Loveland the entire summer.
My second realization that I didn't know God's plans occurred on the 30th of May. I received another email from my friend, Jimmy, which told about an opportunity for me to come to Argentina. I admit that I was stunned. I was ready to settle in Loveland for the summer. So I prayed about it, but eventually I made up my mind and the planning began. As of this moment, I have my tickets and my passport ready to go. I am due to leave on the 9th of July...exactly two weeks from today. As the time draws nearer, however, I am getting a bit more nervous. But, just like with my trip to Nashville, reality hasn't really settled in yet. Maybe on the plane?
Now for the next 8 weeks I will be on the run: from Nashville, TN; to Buenos Aires, Argentina; to Bourbonnais, IL. With a couple stops at home in between.
Well, first thing is first: sleep. My last day of working at Hobby Lobby is tomorrow, so I believe I should get a little bit of rest before I make my last appearance. So with hope that I wasn't too random, I wish you sweet dreams. :)
