one month to go

It is hard to believe that in one month, I will be in Venezuela. 

My books for this class came today so I am going to be busy reading over the next four weeks.  I am supposed to be "reflective" about this trip and prayerful about what is in store for us.  While I am praying about it, I don't feel like it is part of my nature to be deeply reflective.  I try to be open to where the spirit is leading me and take advantage of the opportunities given to me.  I learn from my experiences and am excited about all that I will learn, see and and experience while on this trip.  I am hopeful that the books we have been assigned will offer new insights, lessons and information that will be helpful in my own spiritual growth but also in my ministry and in the lives of the churches I serve.  Although I have known "evangelism" is not something that comes naturally to me or I feel at this point I am well equipped to do, it became even more apparent as two 10 year old Jehovah's Witnesses came to my house today.  It is hard enough to communicate your beliefs, feelings and faith to people you know and who are interested, I can't imagine how uncomfortable and challenging it is to cold call on people who may reject your message out right and will most likely not be kind in their reaction.  Maybe this experience and the other classes I am choosing to take while at Candler will give me more confidence and willingness to go out on a limb with my faith and help me teach and encourage others to do likewise.  At this point I feel like a sponge ready to drink in this experience and and see how it will impact God's work through me.