What an honor and a privilege to be in this international city for the third time in a year!
Last fall Gary commented, "Isn't it interesting that when you arrive in Hong Kong, it begins to feel like home!" He was referencing to when teams return from China after hosting an English as a Second Language trip. It certainly feels strangely familiar! However this time I experienced a big difference! For the first time I arrived solo and anxiously awaited the arrival of part of the team I am commissioned to lead!
It all started when Gary discovered that he had inadvertantly injuried himself this last summer and had developed a hernia. The doctor definitely did not recommend returning to China or Hong Kong until after he had the surgery. However by the time it was diagnoised and an appointment and surgery set, it was unwise for him to travel extensively by plane or car.
So Kristen scrambled to rearrange her schedule to lead the Project Partner Annual Eyewitness trip.
That meant that she needed someone to take her place leading a small group that would include Project Partner's founder, Donna Thomas. Donna believes that she is traveling to Hong Kong to say "good-bye" to long time friends and partners, a bittersweet trip. A close friend and a couple from Casper Wyoming signed up to travel on this trip to connect with Donna and Project Partner.
Gary and I believe with all of our hearts that God SENDS us out to tell others the incredible Good News of Christ! Recently, Indian Creek Community Church focused on Living Sent as God's people to His people. God sent Jesus to be the Good News and Jesus SENT His disciples out to proclaim it and is still SENDING us out today! At the time we began the focus I had no idea how God would take me up on the offer to GO wherever He would SEND me whenever He SENT me!
As a result I have traveled more globally this summer and fall than I can remember! Actually beginning in the spring of 2011 I participated in Project Partner's Medical trip to rural areas to offer free dental and medical services to clinics, hospitals and schools! Then a second trip in late July early August to Hong Kong and China with a team of ten from Indian Creek to teach English as a Second Language! What an amazing adventure as God blessed that trip with much fruit!
Then a couple of weeks later I escorted a team of five women to India to encourage women in rural areas with India Gospel League and Women With a Mission. We shared our hearts and lives with hundreds of women in the two weeks we ventured in India led by president of Women With a Mission, Prati Stephens. We even were able to see the Taj Mahal for the first time!
And less than six weeks later, here I am in Hong Kong! What an awesome privilege and responsibility that I don't take lightly! I meant it when I commited to Jesus to GO as long as He would SEND me! I can hardly wait to see what lies ahead as our team ventures out tomorrow!
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