I did gather some items to send for the missionaries, but had forgotten to take them to church. It may have been because I was a little jealous that I wasn't going. LOL! But I was dealing with it! Sorta....
Then, Robyn called me to explain that Mrs. Leigh was too sick to go to Peru, and would I be able to go in her place?!!!? Wow!!!! So in less than two hours, I was going to Peru with the support of my family and my boss.
AND What an amazing trip! The people were so kind to us. The country was beautiful. Our group was the BEST!!! But the entire trip I kept asking God, "Why did you let me come?" I was constantly looking and asking him, "Why did you allow me to come here? What are you trying to show me? What have I missed, Lord?"
But it wasn't until we were on our way back to Bossier that I started to figure it out. As we discussed all the ways we could continue to help and support Diego and Patti (the missionaries in Peru), I realized what God was showing me all along. He took me to Peru to tell me that there are people that live in my country, in my state, in my CITY that need exactly what the people in Peru needed. They need to know that someone loved them enough to send His only son to die for their sins that they may have a personal relationship with Him. They need to know that with Him all things are possible, and that He has a wonderful plan for their future. And if I don't tell them, who will?
That is what I learned in Peru. (And I made some pretty cool friends, too!) So go on a mission trip in 2011, but don't forget that there is a mission field in your backyard! Let Him use you! LOVE LOUD in 2011!!!
"Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?" Then I said, "Here am I. Send me!" Isaiah 6:8
