Team #5 - Trip #4

It is less than a month away - another trip to Niños de Mexico! It is hard to believe that it has been 11 years since Sandy and I first talked about leading our first team. At the time it seemed like such a crazy idea because we had no idea what we were doing, but it was one of the best steps of faith we have ever taken and now here we are with team number five! God has used this trip time and time again to teach us about our own weaknesses and how he can use them for his glory. He has taught us countless lessons about grace, trust, faith, life, compassion, the things we take for granted, and so much more. He has softened my heart and opened my mind. He has twisted my gut, frayed my nerves and put me on my knees. And I love it.

Every trip is different and every team that we lead is unique. Despite my inadequacies as a leader, every team seems to find a way to come together and serve with grace. I have no doubt that he will do the same with the group this year. I can already see things happening in this team - I see them thinking, processing, wondering, wanting to be the best that they can be for each other - and I am learning to appreciate what each individual is bringing to the team. Some are doing that from the perspective of past experience (three others have been to Niños de Mexico before) and some are working through the nervousness of a first trip. Watching the individuals on the team come together is one of the most satisfying things to watch as the team leader, and I am anxious to see how it will all play out on the trip.

As happens with every trip, my anticipation begins to increase exponentially as the school year comes to an end (even more so this year knowing that I will see Calli while we are there!). With less than a week of school left, I find more and more of my focus shifted to the trip, to the team, and the last things that still need to be done in preparation. As much as I look forward to the trip, I still get nervous about details - less than I did at first, but the nervousness is there nonetheless. Past experience, however, helps immensely, because I know, one way or another, things will work out the way God wants it to. Having a great group to work alongside, also helps ease my mind!

So... less than a month...
It still energizes me knowing it is getting close!