excited

In two and a half weeks (can it really be that soon?!) I leave for the Dominican Republic to help lead our student mission groups from our church. So much is swirling in my heart and mind and yet I am strangely at peace.I am excited. And I'm excited that I'm excited! We weren't really excited last year...too many storms had swirled too close. The Lord was near and so very good. But it was hard. This year though, there is a joy in anticipation and just good old fashioned excitement! It's so sweet of the Lord to give us that.Will you join me in praying for me, for us, over us? My heart aches with the prayer that the girls on our Dominican Republic mission team would have honesty. That we would be secure in Christ so we can be vulnerable instead of comparing or criticizing. Together that we would be able to walk free from accusations and anxieties.That our girls' house would be a place of peace and refuge so we feel safe to let the Lord reach into the deeper places in our hearts and bring healing Truth. That conversations on the bus, over lunch, and walking would be life giving. Beckoning a deeper walk. Awakening more of who we are in Christ.And it's not that our girls are immature in this area at all! It's just that we are in such a war for our hearts and these young women, and I, need to press into the truth of who the Lord says we are so very much. Our lives depend on it.I have wept for them to know Jesus in this way. To know themselves in light of how He sees them. But I know I must first be leading the simultaneous surrender and charge. Letting go of fear and control and lies. Pressing into love and truth.You can keep up with our group during the trip (June 24-July 21) over HERE, and I'll occasionally post here on this blog.