2 days left...

So here we are. It's July 1st - and I've just finished 3 weeks of VBS (vacation Bible school) - and I'm starting to buy up and pack for Africa. Of which I leave on Thursday.

So I went to Walmart... And as always (right before a mission trip, the list was long.... And I've still got more to go. )

This is always my least favorite part of the trip. Granted, all the prep is an important part. I hate paperwork - and I hate shopping. At least in large quantities anyway. 

The VBS theme this year was/is colossal coaster world: facing fear, trusting God. 

While I love mission trips - especially international ones - this trip will be a first - on so many levels. This last semester at Boyce College - I took cross cultural missions - and we discussed culture shock and such. And honestly, I'm expecting quite a big shock. 

At 4:30 on Thursday - I'm flying out. Pray for safe travel - that I won't go out of my mind while shopping - and pray that the culture shock won't be that bad. I have a feeling I don't know exactly what I'm getting myself into. 

For those who don't know, I'll be in Niger for 5 weeks. This is the longest overseas trip I've been on - and the first one without my pastor from my hometown church. Also the first one that is officially an IMB (international mission board) trip. 

I'll be updating on here once a week - I've only got Internet on the weekends.

Some people have been asking why I'm doing this. 

Yes, I understand that I won't have a/c or a lot of access to power and plumbing. I also understand that there will be bugs. Big bugs. And it will be hot. (Edge of the Sahara). 

But here's the deal. Christ means more to me than the comforts of this world. Christ and Christ alone saves us from our sins - not indoor plumbing. 

The Songhai people need the Gospel just as much as we do. They are no less than we are.

All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. But God demonstrated his own love for is in this, that while we were still sinners - Christ died for us. Jesus Christ was God's son - God incarnate. He died - conquered death - rose on the 3rd day. For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. 

This is why we go. We don't go to be comfortable or to see the world - we go to tell others about this great news. And if that's not enough - Jesus told us to Go and make disciples of all nations (Matt 28:19-20)

Please don't look at me special because I am going either. The Bible tells us that no man even seeks God without God coming to us first. This is true with me - and with everyone else. I'm a normal person. I remember seeing and hearing from missionaries when I was little and thinking - "wow..." - but really - God should get all the glory. Period. No questions asked. 

So also pray that God would be glorified!! :) Pray that the jet lag will be easy to overcome (5 hour difference). Pray for our (interns) families and loved ones while we're gone. Pray that we won't get too homesick. Pray that the Songhai people will be receptive to the Gospel. 

Thank you so much for your prayers and support. 

Most of you should be getting thank you notes and prayer cards. If I don't have your address and you want one, please email my mom at emilyonmission@gmail.com. :)