The very cool things that God does that just make my heart happy!!

I have been praying about and considering going on a mission trip over Christmas to East Asia. I have really wanted to go but was worried about asking people for money again to support me and worried about telling my parents. They don't always understand why I want to do missions overseas, and probably really won't understand this particular country. Plus there's that whole safety thing.

But just like anyone at UAB or in Birmingham or Albertville, I would love to be able to be used by God to tell these people how much he loves them and the hope and joy that they can have in him. Half of this country is under the age of 24. As I've been thinking about whether or not to go, I kept thinking that I could wait and go later. But half of this country is my age, so I will have so many opportunities to make friends and tell them about Christ.

I also went to Niger, West Africa last Christmas. I absolutely love West Africa and have such a passion for the people of Africa. I also wondered what this would mean for the immense love that I have formed for Africa. But God reminded me that his love is the same for all peoples and all nations.



So, I was definitely feeling led to go, but was still hesitant. When I've done missions in the past I've always known without a doubt that it was God's will for me to be applying to go. But I hadn't really felt that way about East Asia yet.

Then a couple days ago I found out that one of youth, Katerina, in a youth group that I worked with one summer in Kansas was doing summer missions in East Asia. So I emailed one of the members of the church to see what country she was in, and it was the same one! Katerina was probably the person that I became closest to while in Kansas, and her and I talked about missions a lot. So, the fact that God would lead Katerina to this same country is just so amazing and made me really happy! I cannot wait for her to get back, so I can hear all about how God has used her!

Katerina and I during 30 Hour Famine

After a food fight - Tim, Brian, Gary, Katerina, Ben, Tessa, me, and AJ

Back for a visit last summer! - Tessa, Logan, me, and Katerina

Aw, I miss those kansians!!