On this train to Stepping-Out-of-Your-Comfort-Zone, my first stop is asking for money.
God always asks me to do things that I am not good at or things that make me feel uncomfortable. Something that is high on my list of "uncomfortables" is asking for financial support. I inherited the trait that doesn't like to ask anyone for help. You could call this a character flaw because I often need help, but refuse to ask. My middle name should be Independent.
God, knowing all of this about me, put me in a position of helplessness because it is here where I find my need for Him and for others support and encouragement. If there is one thing I have learned about going to the mission field, it is this: I DO NOT GO ALONE. For a missionary to really be successful there must me a large group of people back at home cheering them on. That cheering is emotional support, prayers, care packages, encouraging words, letters, money, tears, compassion, a listening ear.
I have truly been humbled by the overwhelming interest and support for my trip. There have been many moments of humiliation as I share how great my need is. I am learning to change that humiliation into humbleness because it is vital to my mission and my growth. I am finding that there are many people who want to be that team at home who encourages me on the mission. We all can't uproot and move, but those who can, take a part of the collective group with them. That can be funds, or supplies, or hugs. It is all vital to my success in this calling.
Thank you to all that are joining my team. It means more than you may know.
