Reflecting on that Sunday, I am struck by how God uses ordinary moments to weave extraordinary beginnings. None of us knew exactly what to expect when we first signed up for this mission trip. Some of us are seasoned travelers, others are embarking on their first overseas mission, but we all share a singular purpose: to serve with open hearts and willing spirits. Despite our different backgrounds, ages, and experiences, we have been knit together in the common hope of making a difference. Formation Session #2 was a vivid reminder that it is not the size of the group that matters, but the depth of its love and commitment.
From the very start, laughter has been the soundtrack of our preparations. It breaks the ice, eases the nerves, and creates a sense of family. The room is always filled with chatter and excitement, and yet underneath all the energy lies a deep reverence for the task ahead. We are eager, yes, but we are also prayerful, recognizing that what we are about to do is sacred work. Serving others in a foreign country requires humility, flexibility, and a heart ready to be broken and remade. I am under no illusion that this trip will be easy. Language barriers, cultural differences, unfamiliar surroundings — all of these will stretch us. But it is precisely in the stretching that growth happens. It is in the unknown that faith is tested and strengthened.
I have often heard it said that mission work is as much about being changed as it is about changing others. As I prepare for Vietnam, I find that sentiment ringing truer than ever. God is already changing me. Through every planning meeting, every prayer shared, every story told by past missionaries, I feel my heart expanding. I am learning to let go of control, to embrace the beauty of stepping into someone else's world, and to see Christ in every face I encounter. I am learning that mission is not about bringing my ideas of how things should be, but about listening, learning, and loving with no agenda other than to be present.
The friendships forming within our team are a testament to the spirit of this mission. Already, we are more than just fellow travelers; we are companions on a spiritual journey. Trust and camaraderie are building rapidly, rooted in shared purpose and mutual encouragement. In these new friends, I see reflections of God’s kindness and creativity. Each person brings unique gifts — some have a knack for organization, others for storytelling or music, some for comforting and encouraging — and together, we form a beautiful mosaic. It amazes me how quickly bonds can form when hearts are aligned in service. I have no doubt that the experiences we are about to share will forge lifelong friendships, tested and strengthened by the challenges and joys of mission work.
Choosing Vietnam was not a random decision. It was something I prayed about deeply. I wanted to go where I felt called, even if that meant stepping far outside my comfort zone. Vietnam, with its rich culture, complex history, and vibrant people, beckoned to me in a way that was hard to explain. I knew very little about the country beyond what history books taught, but I felt a tug on my heart — a divine invitation to learn, to love, and to serve. Now, as the trip draws closer, that tug has become a steady pull, reassuring me that I am exactly where I am meant to be.
Our team has spent countless hours preparing — spiritually, mentally, and practically. We have prayed over our mission, studied Vietnamese culture, learned basic phrases, and brainstormed ways to connect with the communities we will serve. We have packed and repacked supply lists, coordinated logistics, and fundraised tirelessly. Yet, amidst all the planning, we are keenly aware that the most important preparation is internal. We are preparing our hearts to be vessels of Christ’s love, ready to pour ourselves out fully without expectation of return.
One of the themes that has emerged throughout our formation sessions is the idea of being present. True mission work is not about rushing in to "fix" things or imposing our own ways. It is about meeting people where they are, walking alongside them, and sharing life together, even if just for a short time. It is about seeing the image of God in every person we encounter and allowing ourselves to be taught and blessed by them. I am humbled by this perspective, knowing that while I may go to serve, I will also be served — by the hospitality, wisdom, and resilience of those we meet.
I find myself thinking often about the faces we will see in Vietnam: the children we will play with, the families we will support, the elders whose stories we may hear. I wonder about their hopes, their struggles, their dreams. I wonder what lessons they will teach me about faith, perseverance, and community. I wonder how God will show up in unexpected moments, in the quiet conversations, the shared meals, the laughter, and even in the tears. I am both nervous and excited, knowing that mission trips rarely go according to plan, but always go according to God’s plan.
Already, I am grateful for the many ways this trip is shaping my faith. Preparing for Vietnam has deepened my reliance on prayer, strengthened my commitment to service, and widened my perspective on the global Church. It has reminded me that faith is not meant to be a comfortable, private affair, but a dynamic, outward expression of God’s love for the world. It has reminded me that the Body of Christ is beautifully diverse, spanning languages, cultures, and continents, and that every act of love, no matter how small, echoes into eternity.
As the departure date approaches, my prayers grow more fervent. I pray for the people of Vietnam, that they may feel the love of Christ through our presence. I pray for my team, that we may serve with humility, joy, and perseverance. I pray for safety, health, and open doors. Most of all, I pray that we remain attentive to the Holy Spirit, willing to be led wherever and however God chooses.
In many ways, this mission trip feels like a beginning rather than a culmination. I sense that Vietnam is just the first chapter in a larger story that God is writing in my life — a story of surrender, of stepping out in faith, of embracing the unknown with trust. I am excited to see how this journey will unfold, not only during the days we spend abroad but in the months and years that follow. I hope to return not only with memories and photos but with a renewed heart, a deeper faith, and a greater commitment to living a life of mission wherever I am planted.
Sunday’s Mission Formation Session #2 was a beautiful glimpse of what is to come. It reminded me that the greatest adventures often start with simple yeses — yes to God’s call, yes to stepping outside of comfort zones, yes to being part of something bigger than ourselves. I am filled with anticipation, gratitude, and hope as I look forward to Vietnam. I know there will be challenges. I know there will be moments of exhaustion and maybe even doubt. But I also know that God is faithful. I know that He has called each of us by name and that He will equip us for every good work.
As I continue to prepare, I hold tightly to the promise that when we offer our small loaves and fishes, God multiplies them beyond what we can imagine. I am bringing what I have — my time, my heart, my willingness — and trusting that it is enough. I cannot wait to see what God has in store, not only for the people we will serve but for each one of us who has said yes to this incredible journey.
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