Great News!
Lord willing I will be going to Bolivia this upcoming summer. I say Lord willing because I am currently in the process of writing the support letters and things are not set in stone yet. "We can make our plans - but the Lord determines our steps."
Why Bolivia? Last Fall I reached out to a long-time friend from Alpine Chapel to meet with and learn about his experience with International Teams. I also told him that I had no direct plans over the next year and would really like to get involved in international service. He told me about various places in Latin America but Bolivia caught my attention with what they are doing there. There are a couple of orphanages set up and they are supported through micro-businesses there in Bolivia.
As time progressed I became more excited about the possibilities. I watched youtube videos online and talked with family and friends about it; but something was holding me back, money. I didn't want to have to ask people for money. If I had my own way I would pay for the trip myself and completely deplete my savings. The idea made me uncomfortable, especially with knowing how much I would enjoy this trip.
Than in February I attended the rock and road worship show (with Lecrae - an awesome christian rapper) and Compassion International was there as a partner. Two weeks earlier Wes Stafford, the CEO of Compassion, had spoken at Willow Creek Community Church. He spoke about his experiences growing up and the impact that a moment can leave on a child. I completely agree with the impact that moments can have on our lives, especially as children. As he spoke I thought about the kids I see daily at the Chicago Public School I work at, and the kids I might meet in Bolivia, and wondered if God might use me at different moments, for his glory, in their lives. Fast forward to the concert and a Compassion representative was talking about supporting a child from across the world. I felt compelled to raise my hand; I had always thought about sponsoring a child, but what was holding me back? My hand raised and I walked to meet a volunteer who handed me a packet with a child inside. As I walked back up the steps I took a peak at the name and location and exclaimed "Bolivia!" In that moment, I knew. "I'm going to visit this boy." There was a feeling of peace and no more indecision in my mind to move forward with International Teams and to go to Bolivia.
So here I am today - working on the letter of support. I'm excited to see what happens and grateful for the guidance I've received from friends and family. Perhaps now, this blog will turn into a real blog, with real interesting updates - or not. :)
On a completely different note - I have this horrible cold and have gone through an entire box (and more) of tissues within the last day. it's insannnnne. I'm actually pretty amazed by this cold and how crazy cool our bodies are with these immune systems and its ability to recover. YEP. latas,
OH, and of course, here is a video of Lecrae. GO HARD!
Go Hard - Lecrae onnnn youtube
Alison G
