{I Can Do ALL Things}: June 2012

My first ministry trip is over, and come Tuesday, it will be back to the books, desks, computers, paper, pencils, homework, and late nights. The last ten days have been very challenging and stretching. Father taught me so much about submission and following and what it really looks like to serve with others. He also showed me that He delights in the joy and laughter of His children. The country we visited was very dark and we faced much spiritual oppression.
The journey started out with the loss of a contact, and a trip with no set destination. We got to see much of "real" Laos and pieces of my heart were left in each village we passed. A personal goal for the trip was that Father would give me a heart of Laos and that I would leave feeling like part of me would always be there with the people. He totally, completely fulfilled that desire! One day I will go back to Laos and spend more then a few days, and until that day comes, I will lift them before the throne.
Memories, memories, memories, wow, I don't even have the words to describe everything that happened on this trip. In fact, I could probably write a whole book and still not tell it all. My main word for the trip would have to be laughter. We girls have long moments of healing laughter everyday and that was a huge blessing from Abba. Without the laughter, I'm not sure we would have made it. I praise Him for the time we had to grow together, and learn more of each other, and glorify the Father together. When we seek His face, He is so faithful to show Himself. When I cried out and asked Him why, He said He wanted to teach me, and to simply be faithful in learning.
So, what did God teach me?? Well for starters, the gift of laughter. Secondly, He really taught me about me...where I'm at in life, and areas I need to work on. As we were driving though the beautiful mountains God gave me a vision of my life. That was simply amazing and one of the most powerful things I've ever experienced. Also I learned how much my attitude affects others. We had some problems on the trip with leadership, and as a team we talk about them today. During this chat it came out that a lot of the problem was the attitude we girls had towards the leader. I pray I will be very aware of my attitudes from here out. Communication and its importance was also hammered into my head!!! In fact, I think it would be VERY safe to say ever person on my team learned that!!! :) :)
Another huge gift and blessing from Abba was the amount of time I was able to spend with Him. He has given me such a hunger for Him, and a desire to know more about Him and His depth! I'm ready for classes to start because I was given time to relax and prepare for the coming weeks. Coming home, really felt exciting. It was as exciting to me to come home to IGo, as I will be when I go back to the states, and that in its self was a blessing.

Laos Flag

We loved the signs

I love Tuk-Tuks!

Our guide said this temple is considered the heart of Laos. I'm not for sure what that means but it was a dark place.

Such beauty even in the darkness

Another Temple

Sorry about the poor quality of the photo...this photo really shows me the difference in Christ...and Buddah

This lady, wow. She inspired me so much. I will call her the forget me not lady. One day we were walking the streets and she makes eye contact and holds up a sign that says "Don't forget me", Then one that says "I have everything you need". She owns a convenience store and really does sell everything. Her personality is amazing. She is very out going and it would be amazing to see her come to know my Father!