Destination

Here I am LORD, send me! We've talked a lot over the past couple of years about our desire to go on a mission trip. Our vision? A church mission trip within the states. A simple drive, some hard work but with good food. We knew God was growing our hearts to serve in this capacity but did we consider His vision?? We thought we'd chose from the safe list at church, go with friends we knew, have financial support from our church. But God wanted more trust from us. This was going to be about more than the mission; it was going to be about the Johnsons. Out of the country, with friends but also strangers, with a different language, and no financial backing. He was going to stretch us outside of our comfortable mission trip ideas! We think we are so in control sometimes....reminds me of my children.

Speaking of children....we thought it would be a great idea to include them in a mission trip. Our church started family mission trips nearby and we knew that would be a life altering activity for them. Our desire to do missions now included the involvement of our children.

God, who in His infinite wisdom, started to display His plan before us. Our vision was clouded and we didn't see it so clear at first. A couple in our SS class mentioned that they were planning a family mission trip and had room for a few families to come along. We knew nothing specific about the exact place or the mission for that matter. But we were intrigued. Honestly, we had not given it a whole lot of thought beyond that and they didn't mention it many more times. But the Holy Spirit kept reminding me of it and placing a desire in my heart to inquire. I mentioned it to my hubby and he immediately said "I'd love to but, honey, there is no way! Between the braces and our new sewage hook up we're just tapped out." I admit disappointment and almost defeat but God was urging me to trust. I called the leader of the mission and asked him to meet my husband for lunch and just share the mission with him.

Hubby admitted he loved the idea, but our heads knew we didn't have the time, the money, the resources (the trust). But when God means business, He continues. Through a series of events, and a large step of faith, we said YES!

We have since learned that the Johnson crew sans our two youngest babes will be going on a mission trip to the Central Highlands of Costa Rica. We are grateful for God's call on our family to participate in a family mission trip to encourage, support, and love the people of Turrialba in the fall.

I look forward to sharing with you how God blessed our trust of driving over the bridge in cloudy, windy weather. He has shown His mighty hand and we remain in awe!