AHHHHH!

I have taken a break from packing and have entered the online blogging world. I am deciding how to fit 6 weeks of my "junk" into a plenty big enough suitcase. I will need to downsize. Why do I think I need so much stuff?

Back to business - My grandmother, Gam, and I leave for Gorazde, Bosnia on Tuesday, June 17th and arrive back July 31st. I will be teaching English for 2 weeks to students ages 6-12. We will then have a week of relaxation (which I think will be humanitarian aid) followed by 2 weeks of Adventure Camp which includes hiking, camping, kayaking, and swimming for teenagers (ages 13-17).

I am feeling a range of mixed emotions as I prepare to leave i.e. the picture above. (I know it isn't the most flattering picture but it is fitting) During this time, I hope to only focus on why I am doing what I am doing. Why am I going? Why am I sacrificing my summer? Why am I shoving games I have created into my suitcase? The sole reason is to make the Word of the Lord known and to do all things for His glory. Why is He using me? A lowly sinner who just can't seem to learn? By His grace and mercy are the only answers I can give. I reread through my journal last week and I found an entry dating back to January 2005. I began to pray then that the Lord would provide the opportunity for me to spend a summer in Bosnia with my aunt. The timing is now right (3 years later) and the Lord has orchestrated this trip. I thank the Lord for this opportunity to serve with my grandmother and my aunt in this special way. I am grateful for Gam and her loving, self sacrificing, servant heart that has encouraged me to follow the Lord and made this trip possible.

Prayer Requests for our trip:

-The long trip will be strenuous on Gam so please pray she will not be in too much pain and she will be in good health.

-That we will enjoy doing the Lord's work and not become stressed, bogged down or discouraged. Especially with me teaching English for two weeks. That we will remember why we are doing what we are doing?

-That the relationships with me, Teresa, and Gam will be strengthened as well as the relationships with visiting teams and the Bosnian people.

-The Lord will be glorified in everything we do and it will be evident.