Ten years ago, I was sitting in the crowd at a Jennifer Knapp/ Third Day concert when they began their pitch for World Vision. I had heard of these sponsorship organizations before and was highly skeptical. But I trusted the band and was incredibly moved by the stories of what World Vision was doing around the world. The hubby and I (then just a fiance) wandered out to the tables and I thumbed through the stack of children waiting for one to catch my eye. One did, an adorable little boy from the Dominican Republic who was 3 years old.
I have watched for a few years as groups of bloggers have traveled with Compassion International wishing and hoping World Vision would do the same. I am a World Vision girl and my heart is with them. Little did I know that God had big things in mind.
May 3-7, World Vision is taking a group of bloggers on a mission trip to learn about what they do and how they serve. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be asked to go. But I have been. And our destination? The Dominican Republic. And there is a chance I will meet my sponsored child face to face after ten years of sending checks and getting updates. I am floored by this opportunity.
I have been doing a bible study this winter where we have explored if we are “comfortable Christians.” Life is about to get very uncomfortable. I know there is no way I can go on this trip and not be forever changed. Which frankly scares the crap out of me. I have never been away from my husband and kids for this long. I am leaving behind a newborn. But I feel like God is calling me to go. And who am I to say no?
So can I ask you to pray for me? Now, that things would continue to fall into place. And especially in May when I am on my trip. Can I ask you to go check out the bloggers going with me? I am so blessed and excited to be traveling with some of my absolute favorite bloggers in the world:
- Matthew Paul Turner (our fearless leader) from Jesus Needs New PR
- Jessica from The Mom Creative
- Briana from Bargain Briana
- Andrea from Mommy Snacks
- Amanda from Oh Amanda
You can follow us on Twitter as well. And I would love your help in spreading the word especially as the trip grows closer. Blog it, Facebook it, Tweet it (use the hashtag #WVinDR). And why wait until May to partner with us? Consider sponsorship now.
I am prepared for God to rock my world. I’d like to say I’m ready, but in truth I am terrified. Somehow I just can’t get these lyrics out of my head.
I will never be the same again,
I can never return, I’ve closed the door.
I will walk the path, I’ll run the race
And I will never be the same again.Fall like fire, soak like rain,
Flow like mighty waters, again and again.
Sweep away the darkness, burn away the chaff,
And let the flame burn to glorify Your name.There are higher heights, there are deeper seas,
Whatever you need to do, Lord do in me.
The Glory of God fills my life,
And I will never be the same again.
What a wonderful opportunity!
.-= Bridget´s last blog ..Coblation Tonsillectomy Post-Op Information =-.
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Oh, Jill! This is amazing! I’m so happy for you and proud and I just know that wonderful things will come from this.
Blessings and, of course, many many prayers!!
.-= Malia´s last blog ..I should probably be praying or something =-.
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Twitter: babysteph
says:
This is incredible. I’m so thrilled for you, Jill. And make sure they know you can sing- maybe you can do a concert of your own!!
Steph
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Twitter: samanthajcampen
says:
Oh WOW. What a huuuuuge blessing and amazing opportunity! I will of course pray for you, because yes, this is about to get uncomfortable.
I had an opportunity to go backpacking in Yellowstone in college. Like FAR OUT in Yellowstone, nothing touristy. We’d be out there for 12 days. TOTALLY out of my comfort zone–I didn’t know anyone in the group! The night before I was as white as a sheet and my mom looked at me and said “You don’t have to go if you don’t want to. We can get the money back–it’s OKAY.” I mean, I never even went away to camp as a kid so I understood her concern. But I looked at her with complete sincerity and said “I don’t want to go, but if I don’t? I’ll regret it for the rest of my life.” Such was the pull I felt to do it.
And I came back a totally different and happier person. It literally changed my life.
As I’m sure this trip will do for you. Can’t wait to hear all about it!
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Oh my gosh, I am SO excited for you! I have been reading Kristen’s stories all week and have been so MOVED. I would LOVE to go on such a journey.
I will absolutely be praying for you!!
.-= Tamm @ GreekGRITS´s last blog ..Sunshine Day =-.
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wow, that is SO exciting! (i’m jealous!) Looking forward to hearing about it.
So many people I know are going on mission trips – I’m a wee bit jealous. But I know I’m called to stay here at home for now, so there is joy in being where I’m called to be… But still, my SiL going to ecuador, a friend going to china, and you going to the DR. anyways, awesome! Congrats and I’m happy for you, it’s a great opportunity.
.-= Lana´s last blog ..Game time! =-.
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Twitter: asmanyasgiven
says:
Exciting! I look forward to following you as you prepare and then go on this journey.
.-= nicole´s last blog ..No Menu Plan Monday =-.
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Twitter: stacib
says:
So happy for you! It will be the trip of a lifetime!! Can’t wait to hear all about it
.-= Staci Brown´s last blog ..Diana: A Celebration =-.
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Twitter: chambanalaura
says:
What a wonderful and amazing opportunity for you. So exciting.
.-= Laura (@chambanalaura)´s last blog ..Summer Camp 101: What Are We Going To Do? =-.
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What an amazing and life changing opportunity!
Will definitely be praying for you, the team and the families being helped through this wonderful ministry.
.-= Laura´s last blog ..Aprons for those pint size helpers =-.
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WOW what an amazing opporuntunity, Jill! Can’t wait to read along!
.-= Jolon´s last blog ..D&W Freshmarket Deals 3/7 – 3/13 =-.
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Twitter: WholeLivingGal
says:
Jill – this is so exciting! I’m thrilled that you’re getting this opportunity – can’t wait to follow your journey.
.-= Heather H´s last blog ..Blessed to Be a Blessing (Bible in 90 Days Reflections) =-.
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Twitter: oohamanda
says:
How awesome are you?! What a cool post!
.-= oh amanda´s last blog ..World Vision Bloggers =-.
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wow,what an incredible opportunity. I cant’ wait to read about your journey and follow along. I’ll be praying that you get to meet your sponsor child!
.-= megan´s last blog ..Chocolate Mousse =-.
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Twitter: Fiddledeedee
says:
Jill! I’m so excited to see what God has in store for you. What a huge blessing you will be for World Vision!!!!
.-= Fiddledeedee´s last blog ..Night at the Oscars =-.
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Twitter: longwait4bella
says:
How exciting! I know this trip will change your life and your walk with God. I can’t wait to read about it!
.-= LaVonne´s last blog ..Prayer =-.
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Twitter: mommy_wins
says:
How amazing for you! Congrats!
.-= Colleen – Mommy Always Wins´s last blog ..Dirge. =-.
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Very cool! So excited for you Jill!
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So excited for you!
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I’m thrilled for you Jill!
What an awesome experience. I’d love to bring a meal for your family while you travel! 
=-.
.-= Cindy´s last blog ..Developing Stronger Relationships ~ Book Review & GIVEAWAY
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Diaper Diaries
Twitter: DiaperDiaries
Reply:
March 9th, 2010 at 11:08 pm
you are too kind. I will float the idea to the hubby
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I’m so happy for you, Jill! This is such an amazing opportunity and I can’t wait to see it through your eyes!
.-= Heather´s last blog ..Hello in There! (Echo, Echo) =-.
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That is absolutely awesome, incredible, and all those big words in-between. To be able to meet your sponsored child…wow…I am excited myself to see what God has in store for you. My family sponsors two children through Compassion also- Philippines and Uganda. I hope for the opportunity to visit them someday.
Prayers for you, your fellow travel bloggers, and your family. GOD BLESS!!!!
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I am so excited for you I can hardly stand it! You are going to be so blessed in your service and your interactions; I just know God will be busy on this trip!
I will start praying now! Much love and hope!!
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My bro & sis-in-law are missionaries in the DR–we never mind visiting them on “the field”! God is doing great work there–you will thoroughly love visiting the country and people. And how amazing to get to meet your sponsored child/teen!
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wow what an adventure! Have you ever been to the Dominican republic? I have..at a resort of course..but getting to that resort takes you through some pretty devastating places. I hope you get to meet your sponsor child. That would be amazing! Good luck!
.-= Jen-After the Alter´s last blog ..Lucky #7 =-.
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That’s so cool! I can’t wait to hear all about it. I hope someday I have the same opportunity, we’ve sponsored a boy from India through Compassion International for the past 4 years, and before him we had another little boy for 8 years. I will be praying…
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2 Thing—-I would love to know the name of the bible study about “casual christians”.
Also – the lyrics you quoted — One of my most fav. songs!!!!!
.-= Mindy Curtis´s last blog ..Fabulous Weekend =-.
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Diaper Diaries
Twitter: DiaperDiaries
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March 9th, 2010 at 11:09 pm
It is called “Crave” by Chris Tomlinson
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Twitter: itscome2this
says:
SOOO happy for you Jill! That’s an awesome group of ladies to go with and of course and awesome mission!! I’ll be praying:)
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Twitter: givingupperfect
says:
Jill, this is so incredible! I love how God has arranged it so you’re going to your child’s country!!! You are going to bless and be blessed, and I can’t wait to read about the whole thing!!!
.-= Mary @ Giving Up on Perfect´s last blog ..Some things are worth fighting for, and cookies are one. =-.
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I am so proud of you and excited about this journey God has planned for you. He has called you and He will equip you. Maybe one day we will get to take a Mother/daughter mission trip.
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Jill, that’s awesome. Congratulations on getting to take this opportunity. I’m a World Vision girl too and after going to India in November to pick up my new niece from her orphanage, I couldn’t help but think that I’d love to go to Ghana someday to meet my WV child too. Looking forward to hearing all about it!
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Twitter: thelocalcook
says:
How cool is that? Can I suggest you read the book “Serving with Eyes Wide Open” by Davis Livermore before you go? You can borrow one of my copies if you like It will really help put things into perspective, especially if you have not come face to face with that level of poverty before.
.-= Wendy (The Local Cook)´s last blog ..Black Bean Sweet Potato Burritos =-.
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Diaper Diaries
Twitter: DiaperDiaries
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March 9th, 2010 at 11:10 pm
Thank you, I would appreciate it.
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I am so excited you decided to go! I will be praying for you as the date gets closer and closer. I’m also glad that you are demonstrating what our Bible study has been encouraging us to be — uncomfortable with being “comfortable Christians.”
Blessings Jill!
.-= Laurie´s last blog ..Mexico =-.
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Twitter: brandiofbham
says:
I saw on Oh Amanda that you’d be going with her. I’m so excited for you and will be praying for you.
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I’m so excited for you. Can’t wait to see your posts when you get there.
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Twitter: eringoettsch
says:
wow, that’s exciting news! how can we sponsor your trip? mark and I give to WorldVision several times a year, and we’d like to designate some of our funds towards this particular team. Doable?
.-= Erin G´s last blog ..I Favorite =-.
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Diaper Diaries
Twitter: DiaperDiaries
Reply:
March 9th, 2010 at 11:11 pm
oh my goodness, that is so sweet. I don’t know, but I will find out if that is possible.
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Twitter: kitchenkop
says:
Nothing original here, but thought I’d add my “I’m so excited for you” to the pile!
And hey, I didn’t know you could sing!
Kelly
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I am so excited to hear that World Vision is taking bloggers on a mission trip! I too fell in love with World Vision about 10 years ago but I’m pretty sure it was at a Skillet concert! I can’t wait to follow your journey.
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Rock on, Jill! How cool. (Thought I’d tip the gender scale on your comments here and see if I show up with a girly avatar as well.)
.-= Luke Rumley´s last blog ..Beauty =-.
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this is awesome! i’d love to do something like this. i’m so excited for you!
.-= ~love´s last blog ..look around. =-.
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