Darren was asked almost a year ago to go as the photographer for a vision trip for Mercy House Global (http://mercyhouseglobal.org) to Kenya. We tried to figure out the best options for our family as far as Darren’s time off of work and our family vacation plans. One day, while driving home from the grocery store, I was listening to a Francis Chan podcast on Psalm 23. He was referencing the verse that says, “I will fear no evil,” and mentioned that he didn’t have to fear evil or death because of the hope of heaven. Even though I wasn’t thinking of the Kenya trip, I felt a certain nudge that we were to take our entire family on the trip with Mercy House.
I had to remember that nudge often over the next few months as we prepared to go, as well as other scriptures of promise. We had issues getting the kids’ passports. It was difficult to find a place to get the shots since the health department was out of them. Several terrorist attacks occurred around the world. A dear friend was losing her battle with cancer. Family and friends didn’t exactly understand since it wasn’t a typical missions trip. As a mom, the worries and fears of taking our family to a foreign country at times was overwhelming. But, I remembered the words of David that I do not need to be afraid. Psalm 27 also says, “The Lord is my light and my salvation – so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble.”
A few days before we left, we were given this scripture for our trip: “Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.” Psalm 143:8 (ESV) As we prepared for the trip and as we hit the ground running on the morning we arrived in Kenya, we tried to constantly remember that we were trusting God for Him to lead us as we submitted to Him.
He can be trusted!
Thank you for sending us the link to your family blog! You know it’s my favorite way to keep family memories and to share them. We love you!