Howdy, my name is Kaitlyn, what's yours? =]

I've been on this big thing lately where I wish my identity not to be defined according to the activities in which I participate, nor the clothes I wear, not by the jobs I work nor the schools I attend, not my by family nor my friends. So let me introduce myself.  

Truth is: I find my identity in Christ.

Brother Paul says it beautifully in Galatians 6.

"Far be it from me to boast except in the cross for our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world."

Reading some of your blogs, I caught myself enviously thinking "man, I wish I had grown up with God in my life, or going to church forever, etc." but I am immediately convicted when I remember Luke 15 in the parable of the lost sheep.  I was a lost sheep, and when God came to rescue me from my certain death, He rejoiced, as did I. God does all things for his glory, and I wouldn't choose it to be any other way. I thank God for the privilege to call him by name, and most certainly for sacrificing his son in order to save me. I remember that times of suffering and solitude have been the best times for my spiritual growth and I thank the Lord, my God for breaking me down they way he did in order for me to come to know him and love him more.

About the time that we set off on this journey together to further His kingdom, will be the one year anniversary of the start of my crawl (or walk, but I'll explain my word choice in a moment) of faith. In 1 Peter 2, Paul is talking about bing like a newborn infant, we should long for spiritual milk so that we can grow up into salvation.  It's been a long process, starting with the death of myself in order to be graced with new life in Christ by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, then as an infant, who tasted how God is good I learned to crawl, and now I stand boldly in my faith. However, I take no credit. It was NOT by my own doing that I came to the Lord; He rescued me from the depths of my death in trespasses and sin.  

Often times, people say oh, you're just a new christian, you're only on fire for God because its all new and exciting, you're crazy to go on a missions trip, why are you so radical?  How could they imply that it is a bad thing? Fools. I am on fire for Christ because he died for me; He saved me. I hesitate to say the words that I'm excited for this trip because I don't want it to be confused as a selfish getaway by those who don't understand, but I am blessed to have the opportunity and the calling to go out into other nations to further His kingdom. I am eager and ready to go! However, let us not lose sight that even when we are wherever we are right now, we are in the mission field already. This trip has opened sooooo much opportunity to minister to people around us even as we prepare and I'm thankful that it's such an easy ice-breaker to share the gospel with so many people.  When you tell someone you're dropping out of school (taking a semester break or whatever) to take off for Africa, I guarantee they are going to ask why.  How cool is that?

I've never been on a missions trip, but I'm ready and willing to do whatever, go wherever,  and serve whomever, God calls me in order to do his will.  I'd absolutely appreciate the insight of the alums, particularly in regards to packing.

I won't apologize for the lengthiness of this post, cause you chose to read it. ;]

God bless our team.

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