Early in
the year, a friend of mine posted information regarding a trip to an orphanage.
I have been wanting to go on a mission trip for some time and have just been for
an opportunity to arise. I was invited to go to Ghana Africa, which is
something I would like to do also. Later, Mark was asked through our church to
go to Zambia, Africa. The trips were open for choosing. I prayed about them,
but felt I was not ready for Africa yet. I wanted to start on a smaller scale.
Africa scares me and the trip would be longer, more expensive, less structured,
and seeing extreme conditions. I didn’t think I was ready. I could not stop
thinking about Jamaica and brought it up to Mark on and off throughout the
year. The hard part about Jamaica was the trip would take place during
Christmas. My first thoughts were of the kids and missing out. Then our
thoughts went to the true meaning of Christmas. How awesome to spend Christmas
giving to those in need. Spending time and Christmas with children that don’t
have parents and showing love. Christmas in this country has become all about
the shopping. It is so easy to get wrapped up in all the gifts. I think the kids will understand and I think it will set an
example for them. I talked to Jake about it and he thought about it awhile then
he said,” I think that isn’t a really good idea.” We attended an informational
meeting in September and both decided we were going. We recently attended a
meeting with all those on the “team”. We met at the home of Joy , who is
heading the team to Jamaica. We met the rest of the group and had a nice soup
dinner. We played some mixer games and talked about the trips itinerary. There
are 9 adults and 10 kids going on the trip. Taking kids, particularly Jayden
was something that had crossed our minds, however Mark and I thought it would
be best for just the two of us to go for the first trip. We do not know what to
expect and if it would even be safe. We could see taking the kids one at a time
as they get older. In the days following our meeting, I have been praying about
the trip and thinking about it a lot. Jayden kept telling me over and over how
she wished so badly that she could go. She told me she would easily miss
Christmas and would rather go on the trip. That is when it was revealed to me
that she should go. There are so many kids going on this trip, and the parents
must feel safe. Some have been on the trip before. This would be the trip of a
lifetime for her and us. I realized I had missed the boat. I knew they could
only take so many on the trip, the trip was full and all plane tickets were
already purchased. She would need a passport. I thought maybe there would be a
last minute cancellation and she could go. I then told Jayden my thoughts. I
told her not to get her hopes up and her chances were slim to none, but maybe we
could get a passport just in case. I prayed all day, I prayed that if she was
meant to go that God would make it happen. I prayed that if she was needed more
at home to help her grandparents and brothers, that we would accept her staying
home. Then I left it up to the Lord. I sent my email to Joy and told her my
thoughts. That night I got the email and was so excited! One person was not
going on the trip and there was indeed a spot open. Wow! I felt this was the
plan God had in mind for us and I was excited for Jayden. I wanted to keep it a
surprise and not tell Jayden until her birthday. She caught sight of the email,
early and was excited too. Now we need to get her a passport.
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