Sent: Friday, October 3, 2008 11:42:03 PM
Subject:
Nicaragua
story
Never in my life did I think I would actually have the chance, and if given the
chance, actually go on a mission trip. I always heard people talking about
them and thought I'd like to go but it never seemed like it would happen. I
heard a co-worker, and friend, talking about trips she had gone on but still
never thought I would end up going. Somewhere towards the begining of this year
she, Stephanie, mentioned maybe going to Nicaragua again and asked if any of
us wanted to go and this time I started asking questions. After
having many conversations about it, I knew I had to go. Once all the dates were
out there, I spoke to my parents and of course there were concerns here and there,
and even, 'I dont want you going' remarks, but I knew I had to do whatever it
took to make them comfortable with me going.
I continued talking to Stephanie about the trip and started going to the meetings and realizing that it was actually going to happen. I did my best to prepare for the trip, even with all the talks and meetings, it still does not prepare you for what you see and feel while you are there or back at home. It came down to the final weeks and then days before the trip and of course I had my battles with myself of, 'what am I doing?','am I sure I want to go?', but in the end I knew Gods plan was for me to go. I remember on the way to the airport the way I felt, I was so excited and nervous and couldn't wait to see what God had in store for us all. The whole trip I think I was just in shock, taking it all in, and just amazed with it all. I took hundreds of pictures hoping to show everyone at home what it was like, but even with all the pictures and stories, I know I'll never be able to explain the experience well enough. The trip to Nicaragua was the most amazing thing I have ever experienced, and I am so thankful that I was blessed with the opportunity. I am grateful I have so many people that care about me to support me and pray for us all while we were gone.
The Lord opened my eyes during this trip. I never thought about all the things we have here at home that we take for granted every day until this trip. We had a few issues along the way, but nothing big enough to stop us from going all the way and serving the Lord. The team that went was a team of amazing people, each one selected by our Father to fill a role that he had chosen for us. Every day since I have returned from Nicaragua, I have sat around thinking about it all, slowly processing each little bit, sometimes with a smile, sometimes a tear, but always thankful to the Lord for making it possible. This trip opened up a whole new world for me. I now sit and pray about possibly joining the next trip as well, I know this next one will be so much harder than the one I just returned from, but I think I may feel lead to start training for it soon. I am so interested in going on mission trips now and on strengthening my relationship with the Lord and I can not wait to see what He has planned for me. Honestly, I could probably continue on and on, but I will stop for now to spare you from having to read too much,of course if you have any questions or want to hear any stories, I would love to share them. Again, I want to thank each and every person who supported me and the rest of the team through it all, we couldn't have done it without you.
God Bless,
Tabitha Kirk
