34 Days Until Take-Off

In January, earlier this year, I knew that I was being called to go on this trip to Norway.  I didn't know when or how, I just knew, somewhere deep in my soul, that I was going.   But then my friend Bianca came and went to Haiti, and went again (! - so proud of you!); and the seeds of doubt loomed in my mind... there was no way I could go on a missions trip.  In fact, I blogged about being jealous of people who could go on missions trips.  Then the dates for Norway arrived. There were two weeks to choose from - the first week was the week preceding my formal concert with the Army Band, and the second week was the week of the formal concert.  I took the plunge, sent in my non-refundable deposit with the small amount of money I had saved, and applied.

In just 34 short days I am going to be taking off an adventure that I didn't think would be possible.  I am going to be traveling to Norway with a team from Eagle Brook Church to help put on the Global Leadership Summit in Oslo.

While this isn't my first time traveling overseas, there are still many pieces that need to fall into place in order for this trip to be successful.  The first one is prayer support.  I have long struggled with doubt and trust, and so far - even the preparation for this trip seems to be challenging me to overcome those.  So far, the emotions that I've experienced preparing for this trip run everywhere from nervous to excited, anxious to doubtful, even overwhelmed (that seems to be the most recent one!)  The second one is financial support.  Tonight we learned that our estimated cost has been reduced by almost $400!!!  I have about 20% raised, but still need your help. The last day to contribute to my trip is October 15th.

If you can help fund my trip, go to:  http://ebcgiv.convio.net/goto/Becky

For those of you that have contributed, I have been overwhelmed - thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

I have a poem hanging above my desk right now, given to me be a dear friend.  It reads:
    I was regretting the past and fearing the future.
    Suddenly God was speaking: My name is "I am."
    God continued:  When you live in the past, with its mistakes and regrets, it is hard.
    I am not there.  My name is not, "I was."
    When you live in the future with its problems and fears, it is hard.
    I am not there.  My name is not, "I will be."
    When you live in this moment, it is not hard.
    I am here. My name is "I am."


And with that, I hope that my story and experiences, and yes - my pictures too!!! are an encouragement to you and I hope that I can share them with you when I return!  I will be writing more as we get closer to the trip, and hopefully, while I am there as well!