An Introduction to the Back2Back Cancún Guitar

Name suggestions, anyone??? haha.

So Many Things!

The to-do list seems to be growing larger, not shrinking as the days fly by towards my arrival in Mexico. I am celebrating the smallest victories in the bulk of stuff I need to get done. A week between graduation and leaving for my internship is suddenly seeming altogether too short. Let's be honest: I am not prepared. Thankfully, my definition of "prepared" is not the same as God's definition. I don't like to use cliché phrases, but I am certainly thankful at this moment that God "does not call the qualified, but qualifies the called." My scant and scattered preparation for this summer in the midst of my busiest semester at school is more than enough only because God is on my side.

I know who goes before me . . . I know who stands behind . . .

In four short days, I leave for Back2Back Cancún to serve as a worship leader intern. Many of my passions will converge once again, as they did last spring break for a week and a half: worship, God, Spanish, kids, intentionally loving people . . . this time, I will even get to use what I have learned in my major and do a short video project for Back2Back while I am there! I am eager and hopeful, expecting to see God's goodness at work in the lives of people in Mexico. 

The God of angel armies is always by my side . . .

But there is also the familiar, sickening anxiety lurking at the door, peeping in through the blinds. Anxiety is not a discreet enemy. I ask that you would pray for me these next few days as I continue to prepare.

the one who reigns forever, He is a friend of mine . . . 

One of the tasks on my to-do list is to buy (with a portion of the excess funds you all helped me raise--THANK YOU!) a guitar here in the US to take to Mexico and leave there for future worship leaders that come to serve with Back2Back. Pray it will make the trip to Mexico in one piece! I know everything will work out fine as long as God wants it to, and so far it seems like He is wanting a guitar down there, so I'm not too worried. Yay for little opportunities to have faith! :)

the God of angel armies is always by my side

Praise: I have had an awesome week so far. I have been full of joy and energy and also have been blessed by unexpected kindnesses!

Please Pray for:
1. My massive to-do list
2. First time navigating airport/airplanes by myself
3. Packing

4. The guitar
5. Overall sense of peace 

Our Abundant God!

God is so gracious in his love and faithfulness. For my summer at Back2Back, I asked in my letter for $900 to cover expenses. God doubled that amount! We raised over $1800. I'm not surprised, but I am so grateful. So, what will happen with this extra money? The plan is to buy a guitar in Mexico, leaving it there so that when I leave, future worship leaders/Back2Back staff can have a guitar of their own. The remaining funds will go wherever Back2Back most needs it!
A huge thank you to all of you for your donations and/or prayers.

Please continue to pray that:

• I would finish up my last few weeks at Taylor University loving and living well
• I would walk step by step in faith throughout this exciting journey
• I would be able to prepare worship songs/powerpoint in the little time I have 
• I would not be consumed by self-scrutiny, but live in the glorious freedom of God's grace and love

This short documentary gives a personal look into one of the 163,000,000 orphans that Back2Back has sought to stand beside and love as Christ loves them. She seems like a pretty awesome girl. I hope I get to meet her one day. :)