The first...of many firsts...

As I mentioned in my first blog post, I will be encountering a lot of “firsts” related to this mission trip...so here is my re-cap of the first…of my firsts…

1.  Going on this mission trip will be my first time out of the United States…and out of North America, if we’re being really honest. You might be thinking, “Wow! She doesn’t get out much!” I would argue that I do…just here in the United States. I have definitely wanted to leave the country – you should see my vacation “wish list” (Australia, England, Germany, Italy, Greece, and the Caribbean…just to name a few!) I just haven’t had an opportunity to leave the country. Either time or money or some combination of the two has prevented me from doing so – that and a lack of having friends who also have the right combination of time and money at the same time that I do!

2.  I applied for a passport for the first time! This might be implied from the previous “first,” but I always thought I would have my passport long before now. Even if I wasn’t able to use it, I assumed I would have it…just in case… So, over Spring Break, I got my passport photos taken at Walgreens – it’s much cheaper to have them do it than having it done at an application accepting location (if you’re in the market to apply for one). Luckily, my friend Carrie had also been planning on turning in her passport application as well, so she and I went out for our application turn-in adventure on Friday afternoon. Come to find out, the passport office in the Post Office in Bryan closes at 1:30pm, and they are extremely strict on their time. Not to mention, they must have been having a rough/long day because they weren’t overly friendly to me and Carrie. Nonetheless, we were on a “ability to travel internationally” high and headed out to the City of Bryan Courthouse to turn our application in there. The ladies who helped us were nice, and although not NEAR as talkative as me and Carrie, they served us in a very welcoming manner. Overall, I’d suggest going to the Courthouse to turn in your application – quick and efficient service, and there are multiple desks (vs. only one at the Post Office).

3.  I mailed support letters for the first time. Again, this may be a no-brainer, since I’ve never gone on a mission trip before. However, I’ve never even been part of a domestic cause/project/activity that required outside support. It was fun and challenging to try to fit into one page what the trip would entail, my excitement for being given the opportunity to go, and all the many ways our team needs support while we prepare and while we’re gone. Overall, it was a great experience to pour my heart out, and I am happy to report that words of encouragement, prayers, and donations have already started coming in! I am unbelievably blessed, and I know that God has his hand on our team and this trip. If you are interested in learning more about supporting our team through prayer or various types of donations, feel free to message, email, or call me!

Get excited for more posts and more “firsts” to come – including shopping for mission trip appropriate attire, getting shots, getting meds, flying internationally, and so much more!