my blog is going to turn into even more of a journal of my heart pretty quickly.
we have one more morning here in minneapolis before we start our travels to africa.
detroit, amsterdam, kilimanjaro. that’s our route.
did you know —
i’m going to be blogging the entire time we’re in africa?
oh yes, every day. and just like i shared on my facebook page this morning, i have no clue what i’m going to see + hear while there because i’ve NEVER seen or heard those things. and that’s strange to write… but it’s exciting at the same time.
some things i’m nervous about:
my feet swelling to the size of elephant feet from the long flights // forgetting my passport or immunization card {yes, i have a CARD! filled with them} // writing every single day — will the words come easily? // contracting some sort of stomach + bathroom virus {oh LORD, save me from that} // returning home and settling back in… but i’ll be changed.
some things i’m not nervous about:
flying, which is surprisingly funny // leaving my american life for a handful of days to experience an african life // knowing this is where God wants us to be.
i feel like my thoughts have been ALL OVER THE PLACE this last month or so in terms of work, what is my purpose?, creating a life with more margin in it, not trying to do it all, and the like.
and a few posts that have really spoken to me, like seriously spoken to me:
+ giving up on good via the tiny twig
+ on how i DON’T do it all by naptime diaries
+ it’s all too much by the nester
i’m going to give myself some space the rest of the day to finish work and just BE. i want some time to finish processing this trip we’re about to take and all the blessings surrounding me {the blessings you are in my life}, and then i want to see if some of these thoughts formulate more coherent thoughts because i feel like i have more to share on the links i listed above ~ but the words aren’t quite there yet.
please keep praying for zack + i, and our entire team. we leave so soon. SO SOON.
i am ready. there’s no going back. i need to experience this trip ~ i’m ready to experience africa.
PS. i would love some verses to read while on our trip. if you have a favorite bible verse, leave a comment below with it? XOXOXO
Hi !
My prayers will be with you and Zach. God will be your guide on every step on Africa, don’t be afraid. Enjoy your time helping others. My favorite Psalm 23, this one give the strenght no matter the situation I’m in.
Happy flight !! and lot of luck to you both.
XO Davnia
i’m really excited for you…all of you. you know that my heart is in Uganda…so blow a kiss north for me when you’re there.
this is one of my favorite verses and i love the Message version, too:
rescue the perishing; don’t hesitate to step in and help. if you say, ‘hey, that’s none of my business,’ will that get you off the hook? someone is watching closely and not impressed with weak excuses. proverbs 24:11
looking forward to following along.
Oh, i know its abit late to reply., but reading u say that ur heart is uganda makes me soo happy.. U so sweet. Uganda
I hope you have a great trip and that God will bless you. I will be praying for you. Her are some of my favorite verses
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Jerimiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
I love psalms 139, 23, and 121 these were some that I read when I went on a mission to an orphanage in Albania.
I’ve done a lot of traveling for missions and one passage that always gives me peace is Psalm 139: 9&10 “If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”
I love Jeremiah 29. Especially the verse that says “Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you… and Pray to the Lord on it’s behalf, for in it’s welfare, you will find welfare”. Safe travels!
This verse has been my verse that has been getting me through this week. It is currently taped onto my computer screen, and I hope it speaks to you like it has me this week!! Have an amazing trip and I can’t wait to read all about it!
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” Colossians 3:23
Beautifully said, my dear. I’m so excited for both you and Zack to embark on this amazing adventure. Trust in Him and know that this is what He has planned for you. I can’t wait to read {and hear} the wonderful stories you have to share!
Go be Jesus to those people and let them be Jesus to you. You’re going to do great!
Isaiah 41:10
Enjoy your trip, Gussy! I grew up in Africa and it was pretty special. :) We had to head back to the Philippines when I was 12 but Mama Africa will always be the motherland.
I am so excited for you and Zach! That’s so neat that you both get to go and experience it together.
Did you know I grew up in Senegal West Africa till i was 10? So Africa holds a very special place in my heart. A lot of people think of Africa as a big dark scary place but while it has it’s dangers it also has the most awesome beauty. Africa’s people are some of the most amazing people you will ever meet! The colors, the landscape, the animals, oh and the SKY!
I would go back in a heart beat if i could. I’m am looking forward to following along on your journey and seeing Africa through your eyes.
Will be praying for you for smooth trip and adjustments and for the words to come as you write about what you see.
My prayers will be with you, too. My favorite verses are Philippians 4: 6-7. It always helps me.
Take care,
Ellen
Excited to watch this adventure unfold …
And if you come across an eight year old boy named Broakline, give him and extra big hug from his sponsor family!!
“Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you SHINE AS LIGHTS in the world.” Philippians 2: 14-16
Praying for you!! Can’t wait to have a chat when you get back! XOXO
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phillipians 4: 4-7
I’m SO excited for you and this adventure you’re about to embark on. I’m on my knees in prayer for you. I sent some verses your way via mail. So they should be arriving in your mailbox today! praying, praying, praying! I’m looking forward to seeing all that God does through you and how He uses you in Africa. xoxo
Yea good luck! You’ll have an amazing trip I’m sure. Wave towards Ann Arbor at me when you’re in Detroit :)
I’ll be praying for you Gussy! Excited that you will be blogging while you’re away! Can’t wait to see what God does through this.
I hope you have the most wonderful time in Africa. I am so happy for you and where you are in life – I love that you KNOW this is where God wants you to be. I will continue to pray for you! Many hugs!
Praying for a safe trip for the both of you. Embrace the journey and “be” in the experience.
One of my favorite verses is Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Looking forward to reading about your trip!
One verse that stuck out to me when I was in Africa for 8 weeks and sticks out in just my everyday life now is
“Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen.” Hebrews 11:1
God has His plans for your time there; Have faith in His will and trust He will work through all your needs!
Looking forward to reading all about your trip! Many prayers!
in Him, Emma
I love this verse Maggie…
Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)
17 The Lord your God is with you,
the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing.”
This verse is perfect for your trip. I have no doubt that your obedience in taking this trip is blessing God. Isn’t it cool that we can do that?
Godspeed. I’ll keep you in prayer and look forward to your missives.
Diane (Longaberger Lifestyle)
I’m new here and am here because of the trip. I’m praying for your team and am eagerly awaiting your posts. A favorite verse…well, how about the whole book of James? It’s what I’m working on and it’s pretty darn good. And in light of your upcoming trip, it’s pretty appropriate.
I wish you Zach safe travels and I am sure it will be an enlightening experience. My favorite verse is Jeremiah 29:11 : For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
And lo, I am with you always. Even to the end of the age. Matt. 28:20. It was the first verse I ever memorized and brings me immense comfort. Hope it’s the same for you!
Excited for you to go on this journey and praying for you all!! Thanks for sharing your stories.
Psalm 46 is one of my favorites. It speaks about the all powerful nature of our God. Nothing is out of his powerful hands. Safe travels! Looking forward to reading about your experiences there.
Not so much a verse but a song by Chris Rice – Go Light Your World, the refrain of which goes:
So carry your candle, run to the darkness
Seek out the helpless, confused and torn
Hold out your candle for all to see it
Take your candle, and go light your world
Take your candle, and go light your world
I’ll be praying for you and can’t wait to read your experience!
Titus 2:11-14 :)
http://www.etsy.com/listing/90838312/proverbs-3125-8×10-print
Maggie, I am beyond thrilled for you. And to read that one of your fears is NOT flying, well, that can only be God. I will be praying for you as I read your posts every day. One of my favorite verses is Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
God bless you, my friend!
Psalm 91 is my favorite passage of Scripture:
”
The one who lives under the protection of the Most High
dwells in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say[a] to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
He Himself will deliver you from the hunter’s net,
from the destructive plague.
He will cover you with His feathers;
you will take refuge under His wings.
His faithfulness will be a protective shield.
You will not fear the terror of the night,
the arrow that flies by day,
the plague that stalks in darkness,
or the pestilence that ravages at noon.
Though a thousand fall at your side
and ten thousand at your right hand,
the pestilence will not reach you.
You will only see it with your eyes
and witness the punishment of the wicked.
Because you have made the Lord—my refuge,
the Most High—your dwelling place,
no harm will come to you;
no plague will come near your tent.
For He will give His angels orders concerning you,
to protect you in all your ways.
They will support you with their hands
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the young lion and the serpent.
Because he is lovingly devoted to Me,
I will deliver him;
I will protect him because he knows My name.
When he calls out to Me, I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble.
I will rescue him and give him honor.
I will satisfy him with a long life
and show him My salvation.”
Praying this for you while you are away.
Zack and Mags, Here goes, “Lord you have assigned me my portion and my cup; You have made my lot secure”. I WILL NOT WORRY! “Which God will bring about in his own time, God, Who is the blessed Controller of all things, the King over all kings, the Master of all masters.” 1 Timothy 16:5
Love you both Mom
Was going to say psalm 139 which is already above but also, Deut 31:8, ‘It is the Lord Who goes before you; He will [march] with you; He will not fail you or let you go or forsake you;…’ I love that too.
More than one, but it’s a favorite!
If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.
5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, 7 in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them.
8 But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, 10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, 11 where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.
Character of the New Man
12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3: 1-17
I’m SO EXCITED you’ll be blogging the trip. I assumed that you wouldn’t have access, but now that I see that your group is called “compassion bloggers”, I guess the possibility is part of the opportunity!
“I sought the Lord and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to the Lord are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.
his poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.
Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.”
Psalm 34: 4-8
I’m jealous that you get to go! Love on all those little kids for me =) My favorite Bible verse (and one I think fits pretty well for what you’re doing) is James 1:27: Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: too look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. I hope you have a great trip and I’ll be praying for you guys!
I will be praying for you and the entire team of Compassion Bloggers on this trip. I pray that your hearts are touched and you touch many hearts. I will leave you with my favorite verse:
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self‑discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)
I am so so excited for you!
Psalm 34 – all of it
Psalm 46:10-11 “Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Ephesians 3:14-21 – this whole section is such a joy to pray for others
I Peter 5:6-11
Hebrews 13:5
Joshua 1:5, 6, 7, 9
Can’t wait to read all about your trip.
I will be praying! Some of my favorite verses are. ( although they are verses of a song)
Holy, holy, holy, is the lord god almighty. Who was and is and is to come!
The first verse that popped into my head, one that is posted on my bulletin board right now, one that I wrote a blog post about this week, one that I had never heard this way (from this version) doesn’t seem to make sense to me as encouragement on a mission trip. But then I thought of how exhausted you all must be, stuck in Amsterdam, wondering WHEN you will arrive in Tanzania, and it makes more sense:
“I will not cause pain without allowing something new to be born, says the Lord.” Isaiah 66:9 ESV
Hugs and prayers go with you!
Romans 10:14-15. “as it is written, how beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
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